Russia, Soviet Union. An Order for Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR, III Class, by the State Mint

(Орден «За службу Родине в Вооружённых Силах СССР» - III степени). Instituted 28 October 1974. (1974-1991 issue). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a double-layered eight-pointed starburst, with the lower layer executed in light blue enamels and the upper layer with rays, with crossed rockets piercing the centrepiece, bearing a central anchor and wings defaced by a five-pointed star, in turn situated within a circular oak leaf wreath and white enameled ring bearing a silvered inscription of “ЗА СЛУЖБУ РОДИНЕ В ВС СССР” (“FOR SERVICE TO THE MOTHERLAND IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE USSR”), the reverse with a central threaded screwpost retaining an original backplate, engraved with an award number of “20997” and maker marked for the State Mint, measuring 57.35 mm (w) x 57.23 mm (h), weighing 74.2 grams, in extremely fine condition.