At the time the honorary certificates were issued, Mashkantsev served as Deputy Commander of the Leningrad Naval Base, Rear. Some of the certificates feature the image of a submarine, part of the "letterhead" of the base.

1. Letter of gratitude for excellent service on occasion of retirement, from the command and entire personnel of the Leningrad Naval Base. 1972.

Enclosed in a leather-wrapped padded folio featuring the Soviet Naval Flag on the cover over an embossed silhouette of a submarine and the word "Leningrad". Inside, the document is in two-page format, 8

At the time the honorary certificates were issued, Mashkantsev served as Deputy Commander of the Leningrad Naval Base, Rear. Some of the certificates feature the image of a submarine, part of the "letterhead" of the base.

1. Letter of gratitude for excellent service on occasion of retirement, from the command and entire personnel of the Leningrad Naval Base. 1972.

Enclosed in a leather-wrapped padded folio featuring the Soviet Naval Flag on the cover over an embossed silhouette of a submarine and the word "Leningrad". Inside, the document is in two-page format, 8 ¼" x 11 ½", featuring the Soviet Navy flag and an image of a submarine on the cover. The letter is signed by the Chief Rear Services Officer of the base, its chief political officer, and the chairman of the "group committee" of the base.

In excellent condition, showing just minor storage wear to the back cover of the document. The graphics, text and signatures are pristine. The folio shows just a hint at scuffing at the head and foot of the spine. The padding under the leather looks a little lumpy but the leather is supple and retains its original healthy shine.

2. Poetic greetings on occasion of promotion to Rear Admiral, c. 1960s.

Single page 8 ½" x 12", addressed to "Chief Navy Officer of the city of Kronstadt Rear Admiral Mashkantsev", followed by congratulations, some of them in versed format, from the team of the Navy newspaper "The Soviet Sailor". Signed by the newspaper's Editor-in-Chief.

In good to very good condition. The paper shows mild age toning and a few insignificant edge bumps, not reaching the text or signature.

3. Letter of greetings on occasion of the 58th birthday, from the officers of the Rear Services Department, 1970.

Two-page document, 8 ¼" x 12" when folded. Signed by 19 servicemen and employees of the Rear Services Department, the letter honors Mashkantsev's naval career from cadet to rear admiral, his distinguished military record and multiple decorations he had received, as well as his selfless post-war service in the Navy.

In excellent condition. The paper is very clean, the text and signatures are vibrant and crisp.

4. Letter of best wishes on retirement, from the command of the Leningrad Higher Navy Engineering School, 1972.

Two-page document, 9" x 12", with decorative graphics including an image of a submarine. The letter is signed by the Commander of the Leningrad VVMIU (Russian abbreviation for "Leningrad Higher Navy Engineering School") and its chief political officer.

In good condition. The paper is slightly wrinkled and shows a couple of small rips and bumps at the edges and corners. However, the wear does not reach the text or signatures which are in perfect condition.

5. Calligraphically handwritten letter of gratitude for excellent service on occasion of retirement, from the personnel of the engineering and construction units of the Leningrad Naval garrison, 1972.

Two-page document in folder format, 8 ¼" x 11 ½", features the Soviet Navy flag and an image of a submarine on the cover. The letter is signed by twelve people.

In excellent condition, showing just minor wear to the fold line and mild age-toning to the paper.

6. Honorary certificate issued by the Vyborg District Military Commissariat on occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Soviet Armed Forces. 1978.

Two-page document in folder format, 8" x 11 ½". Features the Soviet flag and the words "Honorary Certificate" on the front cover. Inside, the left page bears a profile portrait of Lenin and his phrase which was modestly adopted by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union as their main slogan, "The Party is the Mind, Honor and Conscience of the Epoch".

The typewritten text of the citation states that the certificate is bestowed upon Petr Mashkantsev for active participation in the military patriotic upbringing of the working population, and on occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Soviet Armed Forces. The citation is signed by the Vyborg Military Commissar, and by the Chairman of the Soviet Council of Retired Veterans of the Armed Forces.

In excellent condition, showing just a tiny accidental squiggle made by a ballpoint pen on the front, and minimal wear to the fold line.

Petr Mashkantsev (Петр Григорьевич Машканцев, 1912 - ?), began his naval service in 1933. In the Soviet-Japanese blitzkrieg of 1945, he commanded a river monitor boat as part of the Amur River Fleet and distinguished himself by destroying several Japanese pillboxes in Manchuria. His military decorations include 5 Orders of the Patriotic War 1st cl., 2 Orders of the Red Star, Order of the Red Banner, and several medals including two "Victory over Japan" medals.

The images of submarines on the cover of some of the honorary certificates may be a little misleading. Mashkantsev never served on a submarine but the Leningrad Naval Base must have serviced them. Of interest is the fact that during the Soviet era, the base was not part of the Baltic Fleet but was directly under the command of the Supreme Commander of the USSR Navy.

Please note that the pen in our photo is for size reference.
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