Russia, Soviet Union. An Order of Lenin, Type IV, Variant III (1943-1950 issue)

(Орден Ленина). Instituted April 6th, 1930. (c. 1950). Constructed of 23 kt Gold, Platinum, and bright red enamels, the obverse with a leftward facing profile of Lenin in Platinum surrounded by a wheat wreath with a red enameled star at 9 o’clock, a red enameled hammer and sickle at 6 o’clock, and a red enameled flag from 12 to 4 o’clock - inscribed “Ленин (Lenin)” in script, the reverse bears three small rivets where the obverse is attached to the award, marked with the Monetny Dvor Mint Mark and engraved “40182”, suspended from a period-original pentagonal ribbon with a magnetic plate acting as the core of the ribbon, measuring 38.2 mm (w) x 43.0 mm (l), weighing 47.22 grams inclusive of its ribbon, light and shallow flaking to the flag, in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Lenin was named after the leader of the Russian October Revolution and was established by the Central Executive Committee on April 6, 1930. The order was the highest civilian decoration bestowed by the Soviet Union. The order was awarded to: civilians for outstanding services rendered to the State, members of the armed forces for exemplary service, those who promoted friendship and cooperation between peoples and in strengthening peace, and those with meritorious services to the Soviet state and society. From 1944 to 1957, before the institution of a specific length of service medals, the Order of Lenin was also used to reward twenty-five years of conspicuous military service. Those who were awarded the titles "Hero of the Soviet Union" and "Hero of Socialist Labour" were also given the order as part of the award. It was also bestowed on cities, companies, factories, regions, military units, and ships. Various educational institutions and military units who received the said Order applied the full name of the order into their official titles.