Description
Order of Lenin #8403
Rare ‘Swallowtail’ / ‘dovetail’ variation
Awarded to master of a metallurgical plant Aleksandr Ivanovich Pshenichnikov (Александр Иванович Пшеничников)
For producing some war materiel in the Lysva plant
Made of solid gold, platinum and enamels. Measures 43.12 mm in height including its eyelet, 38.10 mm in width and it weighs 33.7 grams without its suspension. The serial number and the ‘Mondvor’ mint mark are located on its reverse.
The order is in worn but decent condition considering it is an early awarding. Most of the red enamels are present without repairs but show some superficial flaking and a chip underneath its eyelet. The grey enamels are problem free. The details on raised areas like Lenin’s face are still well defined as is the mint mark on its reverse. Both sides show several dings and scratches to the gold but none distracting from the overall appeal of the order. Its connection ring has not been cut and the steel suspension is time period to the award.
Because of the June 1943 regulations, Orders of Lenin (and other orders) were produced on a five-sided suspension and no longer as screwbacks. Some of the already produced screwback orders were therefor officially converted by the Mint to a suspension type. These are sometimes referred to as ‘Swallowtail’ or ‘Dovetail’ variations due to the added eyelet and its shape. Only a handful of these are known to exist and thus are very rare. Even more so for these early ‘Mondvor’ mint mark pieces.
The full translation of the protocol can be read here
Some pictures of the products produced in the Lysva plant can be found in the picture gallery together with a newspaper mentioning Pshenichnikov
Please contact us with questions
