Description
‘Fish-eye’ Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #559442 ‘Duplicate’
Awarded to Sr. Lieutenant Vladimir Fomich Bondar (Владимир Фомич Бондарь)
For clearing off 2 munitions producing plants of the German invaders during the assault on the town Küstrin on 08-10 March 1945. In these engagements, up to 40 German troops were eliminated. In the assault on the city citadel, comrade BONDAR personally eliminated 7 enemy soldiers, and his platoon eliminated 20 enemy troops, and captured up to 70 men
‘Fish Eye’ variation, produced by the Leningrad Mint. Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. The order weighs 23.3 grams without its screwplate and measures 42.40 mm in width and 44.56 mm in height. “Fish-eye” variations are smaller than other wartime Orders of the Patriotic War and feature a larger white enameled ring. Because of their striking appearance and relative rarity, this variation is especially sought after by collectors. The original serial number was erased and a new number re-engraved by the mint, accompanied by a “D” denoting a duplicate. This work was done in a highly distinctive and easily recognizable style.
In excellent, above average condition with its details crisp. Its red and white enamels are problem free without repairs and show some dings and scratches only. Both sides show an appealing medium patina to the silver and the order comes with its time period and well fitted screwplate. Its screw has not been shortened.
Duplicate awards were issued by the Soviet government as replacement pieces, either in exchange for an earlier version of the same order or medal, or when an award was lost under exceptional circumstances beyond the recipient’s control, such as combat or natural disasters. These replacements are especially rare.
It is reasonable to conclude that Lt. Bondar lost his award shortly after receiving it, since this fish-eye variant dates to the same period as his original Order of the Patriotic War. As he took part in the Battle for Berlin only weeks after the award was conferred, the loss most likely occurred during that fighting – a conclusion that aligns well with the documented account of his actions (see citation two).
This order has it all: a scarce and desirable fish-eye variation, compelling historical research, and the added significance of a duplicate award – making it genuinely rare in every respect.
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits:
In the combat engagements during the assault on the town Küstrin during 08-10 March 1945, comrade BONDAR and his platoon cleared off 2 munitions producing plants of the German invaders. In these engagements, up to 40 German troops were eliminated.
In the assault on the city citadel, comrade BONDAR personally eliminated 7 enemy soldiers, and his platoon eliminated 20 enemy troops, and captured up to 70 men. He deserves state award order “PATRIOTIC WAR II CLASS”.
The full translation to the research can be read below:
Because of the relevance of the citation for his second Order of the Patriotic War #705944 we have translated this one too:
In the battle for the capture of the city of Berlin on April 27, 1945, Comrade Bondar, with the soldiers of his platoon, in a swift dash burst into the building of a large house where Germans were entrenched and firing “fausts” [referring to Panzerfausts/Faustpatrone].
In the basement of the house, using grenades and submachine gun fire, [they] destroyed 17 German soldiers, captured 2 light machine guns, and completely cleared the house, thereby facilitating the successful advance of our subunits without losses.
He deserves the government award of the Order of the “Patriotic War, 2nd Class”.
Commander of the 1374th Red Banner Rifle Regiment Major (Aladyev) [Signature]
May 6, 1945
More info on Lt. Bondar can be found here
We also included several scans of relevant maps of Küstrin and the citadel in the picture gallery
Please contact us with questions
