History

This is the oldest Order of the Soviet Union. Existing first as an Order of the Russian Federation (established on September 16, 1918), it was converted into an Order of the USSR on August 1, 1924. The statute was not established until January 11, 1932. It was discontinued in 1991.

It was conferred for self-sacrifice, courage, and bravery in defending Russia. It was awarded to Army, Navy, Border Guard, and Internal Security personnel, as well as KGB employees and military ships. It may also be bestowed upon foreigners. The Order was awarded for especially significant feats in combat with an obvious risk of life; outstanding combat leadership of military units displaying special bravery and courage; special bravery and courage displayed in accomplishing special assignments; special courage and bravery displayed in support of the state of security of the country and impenetrability of the state border of the USSR in situations involving the risk of life; the success of military unites and ships despite stubborn enemy resistance for being victorious over the enemy resistance, for being victorious over the enemy despite heavy losses or unfortunate circumstance; significant achievements in training and also for feats accomplished on duty with a clear risk of life.

The first award was conferred upon Civil War hero V.K Blukher on September 30, 1918. By 1933, the order had been awarded 16,762 times. Over 305,000 Orders of the Red Banner were awarded during the Great Patriotic War. By 1990, over 581,000 decorations had been awarded.

Type I or "Mirror Reverse" saw roughly 20,000 of this medal manufactured. There is no mint mark on the Order. There are two variations of this Type.

Variation I is extremely rare and is known by being of the first 200 hundred medals that were manufactured without a flat space at the bottom of the reverse and the serial number engraved on the top left.

Variation II was manufactured with a small, flat space at the bottom for the serial number's placement.

The obverse Russian inscription translates to: "Proletarians of the World, Unite!"

The Order of the Red Banner is the most faked Soviet decoration. Most fakes are modified five-sided suspension pieces that have been converted to screwback decorations. Original screwposts were soldered with silver solder, however most fakes are soldered with lead solder and present a blackish residue. Ensure the enamel is red and not orange in colour to be authentic. Subsequent awards are heavily faked because of their rarity and value.