Medal of the International Conference of Veterans of War and Participants of "Antifascist" Liberation Movements in Moscow in 1965, with original Case of Issue.
In brass with silver-plating, gilt, and enamels. The quality is superb throughout. Medallion measures 35.8 mm tall (incl. eyelet), 30.1 mm wide; overall height with suspension is approx. 48 mm. An interesting and unusual artwork featuring a Latin "V" for Victory, a clear indication that many of the medals were intended for foreigners, some of whom came from the western countries. Unlike the other version of the same medal, the reverse does not have an inscription identifying the conference. It was probably intended for the VIP veterans of the anti-Nazi underground movement
In brass with silver-plating, gilt, and enamels. The quality is superb throughout. Medallion measures 35.8 mm tall (incl. eyelet), 30.1 mm wide; overall height with suspension is approx. 48 mm. An interesting and unusual artwork featuring a Latin "V" for Victory, a clear indication that many of the medals were intended for foreigners, some of whom came from the western countries. Unlike the other version of the same medal, the reverse does not have an inscription identifying the conference. It was probably intended for the VIP veterans of the anti-Nazi underground movements who for various reasons did not attend the 1965 conference. The enamel on the suspension is royal blue (incidentally, a traditional color of Soviet State Security which supervised partisan movement on the enemy-occupied territories.) On the reverse of the suspension is a raised logo "LMD" of the Leningrad Mint.
The Case of Issue is in cardboard wrapped in blue leatherette, with the impressed gold inscription "Soviet War Veterans Committee" on the lid. The internal pad is wrapped in blue satin and has a retaining string for the medal.
Excellent condition. The enamels and finish are perfect. The box is likewise pristine.
In the mid-60s, the fledgling Brezhnev administration made a renewed effort to propagandize the Soviet role in WW2 both domestically and
abroad. Starting from that point, increased benefits and attention were given to hitherto largely neglected Soviet veterans. In 1965, the
May
9th Victory Day was for the first time celebrated in the Soviet Union as a national non-working holiday; the first of the Victory
Anniversary
medals was awarded during the same year. The period marked the beginning of attempts to reduce antagonism with the West (albeit ostensibly)
and
simultaneously improve the image of the USSR in foreign countries. Not coincidentally, an international veteran conference was organized in
Moscow at the same time. Large part of its attendees were members of anti-Nazi resistance movements in Europe (the Soviets of course
preferred
to call them "Antifascist" because the term National Socialism hit way too close to socialist home).
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