Order of the Patriotic War 1st cl., Type 2 Var. 2, #302876, awarded posthumously in November 1943 to an infantry platoon commander. In four days of fighting in eastern Belorussia during the previous month, he with his platoon repelled 7 German counterattacks, personally killed 30 enemy soldiers, and was himself killed while leading an infantry assault and shouting "Forward for Stalin!". The decoration was given for safekeeping to his widow long after the war and is in near mint condition. Before his last battle, this valiant soldier was recommended for a Hero Star for his actions in the Battle of Kursk, but instead received an Order of the Red Banner. Comes with archival research.

Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd cl., Type 2, Leningrad Mint "Concave Reverse" version without mint mark, #105690, August 1944. Only a few dozen of this exceptionally rare variation were made. The recipient, an ethnic Armenian artilleryman NCO, earned the award in fighting in Pskov region near the Latvian border. VF condition. Includes archival research.

Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd cl., Type 2, by MZPP factory, #666715, w. a screw post base added by the original manufacturer, c. early 1945. An extremely interesting and rare piece: only a few other such MZPP specimens have been observed, all in the same, very small serial number range. VF condition.

Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd cl., Type 2 "Ring Reverse" Variation (Moscow Mint), #928411. Sub-variation w. smooth edge of the recessed area on the reverse. Very scarce piece in outstanding condition.