Description
Order of Alexander Nevsky #13145
Awarded to Captain Ivan Alekseevich Rachkovsky (Иван Алексеевич Рачковский)
For leading his battalion across the Dnieper River and captured enemy trenches. Despite heavy enemy artillery and machine-gun fire, he held the position until reinforcements arrived. His bravery and leadership were crucial in establishing a bridgehead on the western bank of the river
Made of solid silver and enamels. The order measures 48.93 mm in width, 49.80 mm in height including its eyelet and weighs 41.9 grams without its screwplate.
The order was originally attached to a suspension but converted to a screwback. This was done by the awardee to comply with new June 1943 regulations on wearing soviet awards. It appears the awardee used the screw base of the original suspension for this purpose and soldered this onto the deeper located inner circle.
In worn condition but with its details perfectly visible and a fair amount of the original gold plating still present. Some of the red enamels on the 12, 3 and 7 o’clock rays have been repaired but about half is original. Both sides show a medium dark patina to the silver and the order comes with a time period silver screwplate.
Despite its flaws a scarce variation for a sharp price
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
On September 28, 1943, Captain Rakovskiy with his battalion crossed to the western bank of the Dnieper and seized the enemy’s trenches. Despite the enemy’s heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, he held his ground until the main forces arrived. During the crossing, Captain Rakovskiy personally showed bravery and leadership, leading his battalion to success. On the western bank of the Dnieper, Captain Rakovskiy was instrumental in holding the captured position until reinforcements arrived, ensuring the establishment of a bridgehead on the western bank of the river. For his exceptional leadership and personal bravery, Captain Rakovskiy is being recommended for the Order of the Red Banner.
The full translation can be read here
More info about Captain Komarov can be found here
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