Russia, Soviet Union. An Order of the Red Banner, Type IV, to Lieutenant Colonel Aleksandr Alexeyevich Zhilyakov

(Орден Красного Знамени). Constructed of a silver with gilt and enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon affixed to a pentagonal backplate with horizontal pinback, the obverse consisting of gilded circular wreath, joined together at the bottom by a red enameled banner bearing silvered Russian Cyrcillic letters “СССР”, surrounding a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a bayonet, hammer, and plow, in turn bearing a red enameled star defaced by a silvered hammer and sickle on a field of white enamels, with a banner flag fitted through the star featuring a red enameled field overlaid by a silvered inscription of “ПРОЛЕТАРИИ ВСЕХ СТРАН, СОЕДИНЯЙТЕСЬ!” (“WORKERS OF THE WORLD, UNITE!”), the reverse stamped with a mark of “МОНЕТНЫЙ ДВОР” for the State Mint, engraved with an issue number of “424262”, measuring 36.77 mm (w) x 44.91 mm (h), demonstrating minor flecking and surface scratching throughout the enamels, accompanied by a facsimile award booklet extract, in extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: Records indicate that Order of the Red Banner award 424262 was issued to Aleksandr Alexeyevich Zhilyakov on 5 November 1954. Born in 1911 in Baranovka, Oryol Oblast, Russia, Zhilyakov entered Red Army service in 1933, and became a member of the Communist Party in 1939. A decorated serviceman of the Second World War, he eventually held the rank of Подполко́вник (Podpolkovnik, Lieutenant Colonel equivalent).