Silver, enamels; measures 46.8 mm in height, 48.9 mm in width; weighs 31.2 g not incl. the screw plate. Features flared edges and a well- pronounced depression on the reverse of the hammer and sickle emblem. The mint mark is in a very small font, with a slightly curved-up upper line.

The order is in very fine to excellent condition. Tiny contact marks are present on the enamel throughout, but none are easily noticeable. There are no chips, flakes or significant rubbing; the enamel shows a very attractive luster. The details of the center medallion are well preserved and cri

Silver, enamels; measures 46.8 mm in height, 48.9 mm in width; weighs 31.2 g not incl. the screw plate. Features flared edges and a well- pronounced depression on the reverse of the hammer and sickle emblem. The mint mark is in a very small font, with a slightly curved-up upper line.

The order is in very fine to excellent condition. Tiny contact marks are present on the enamel throughout, but none are easily noticeable. There are no chips, flakes or significant rubbing; the enamel shows a very attractive luster. The details of the center medallion are well preserved and crisp. Attractive dark patina to the silver on both sides. The screw post is full length, over 12 mm, and includes an original WW2-era screw plate.

The Orders Booklet, Series B #290091 , was filled-out on 20 December 1948. It contains only a single entry for the Order of the Red Star, making this a "complete group" (the archival records confirm that the recipient received only one numbered decoration during or immediately after WW2). The September 1944 month of the start of special privileges corresponds with the August 1944 date of the award decree.

The document is in very good to excellent condition. There are some faint discoloration spots on the cloth cover but little overall wear, and the binding is tight. The internal pages are sound and crisp with some minimal foxing, light fingerprints, and the usual stains from rusted staples.

A Belorussian national, Vladimir Novik enlisted in the Red Army in June 1943 at the age of 31. In July 1944 he, by then already a lieutenant, commanded a platoon of the 312th Rifle Regiment, 26th Rifle Division, 14th Guards Rifle Corps, 1st Shock Army, 3rd Baltic Front.

On 15 July, three days after his division liberated the town of Pushkinskie Gory in the Pskov Region of northwestern Russia and pushed westward toward the Lithuanian border, he led an infantry assault. Lt. Novik was the first to jump into an enemy trench where he killed two German soldiers. According to the subsequent award recommendation, the soldiers of his platoon fought fearlessly, inspired by their commander's example. They took eight POWs and captured a German field radio station. Novik was lightly wounded in this skirmish but he soon returned to the front lines and was promoted to company commander. On 12 August 1944, Novik was awarded the Order of the Red Star for the July action by the command of his division, then resubordinated to the 90th Rifle Corps, 43rd Army, 1st Baltic Front. It apparently remained his only high decoration of the war - at least until 1985, when he received a "jubilee" Order of the Patriotic War, 1st cl.

Research Materials: photocopy of the award commendation. Information about the 26th Rifle Division is available in the Volume VIII Red Legions of the Charles Sharp's book series Soviet Order of Battle in World War II.
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