Soviet Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class to Colonel Alexander Stepanovich Zolin

[Gerd Becker]

Good evening gentlemen,

i got this OPW 2nd class Nr. 95477 today together with partial research. Unfortunately there was no award card included, but i will probably try to get it, as Comrade Zolin got a decent rack of awards for a staff officer. I?ll post the english translations, which were included. If anyone wishes to see the originals, just let me know.

Lets start with the piece itself. A wonderful and quite early Krasnokamsk Mint piece with a starback.

Obverse:

[Gerd Becker]

the (not less attractive imo) reverse

[Gerd Becker]

Personal information of Comrade Zolin. Interesting, that he took part in the winter war against Finland and i guess, his first Military Merit Medal was for Finland. He made it to Colonel until 1951.

[Gerd Becker]

His service in the Red Army

[Gerd Becker]

The commendation to his Patriotic War.

[Gerd Becker]

and a photo of Comrade Alexander Stepanovich Zolin.

Even if not a combat citation, i hope, you enjoyed this nice researched piece with me.

Thanks for looking

Gerd

[Guest Rick Research]

That 2nd 1946 "red Star" must be a 20 Years Red Banner????

[Gerd Becker]

The citation says, service since 1932 and the service record says service since 1926

Will get the award card to get more info.

[Alfred]

Interesting Gerd, he got a Combat Service medal in the war against Finnland 2/1940.

Is the number for the medal on the award card?

regards

Andreas

[Gerd Becker]

Interesting Gerd, he got a Combat Service medal in the war against Finnland 2/1940.

Is the number for the medal on the award card?

regards

Andreas

Hi Andreas,

no the award card was unfortunately not included. Maybe i will invest the Money to get it, as i am curious about the Finland award too.

Gerd

[Mondvor]

Gerd, my congratulations with a cool Patriotic War citation. Very nice condition for early 5-digit number award.

In my opinion you should order award card as well, and I can explain you why do I think so. If his GPW is out of the group, then there is a chance that his other awards also were for sale as a single items. If you know their numbers, then you can start to search for them. Chances to find something are pretty low, but if it was on the market during last 5 years it is traceable.

[Gerd Becker]

Thank you, Andrei. I will definately try to get his award card to find out the numbers. Maybe there is a chance with Alex Filer?s new database.

Gerd

[deptfordboy]

Hi Gerd,

The 'Alex Filer' database you mention sounds very interesting - how does one get access to it?

Ta

Gilbert

[Gerd Becker]

Hi Gilbert,

just go on this website:

http://www.soviet-screwbacks.com/index.html

and click on the Orders database. There you can add either the single awards, you own or the one, you are looking for. They already had a match, btw.

best,

Gerd

[deptfordboy]

Thanks Gerd,

That site is great, I've already listed the awards in my small collection there. It will be interesting to see it grow.

Cheers,

Gilbert

Edited September 16, 2006 by deptfordboy

[Gerd Becker]

You are welcome, Gilbert

best,

Gerd