Russia, Soviet Union. An Order of the Red Banner for Distinguished Naval Service to Semyon Pavlovich Khokhlov

(Орден Красного Знамени). Instituted 1 August 1924. (1941-1943 issue). Constructed of silver with gilt and multi-coloured enamels, 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 plough, 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 with a central threaded screw post retaining an original backplate, engraved with an award number of “43757” indicating issue to Semyon Pavlovich Khokhlov (Семён Павлович Хохлов), also bearing a mark of “МОНЕТНЫЙ ДВОР” for the State Mint, measuring 35.94 mm (w) x 40.87 mm (h), weighing 34.7 grams, demonstrating chipping to the enamels, accompanied by facsimile paperwork to the recipient, a storied Type II (second variation) example in better than very fine condition.

Footnote: Semyon Pavlovich Khokhlov (Семён Павлович Хохлов) was born in 1909 and embarked on a distinguished career in the Soviet Navy, seeing extensive combat during the Black Sea campaigns of 1941-1944. Cited as politically-reliable, Khokhlov was noted for his performance aboard a vessel providing minesweeping duties and supplying ammunition to Soviet forces, including keeping Sevastopol supplied during the Axis siege of that city. Records indicate that he provided inspirational leadership while under attack by dive bombers (presumably Ju 87 Stukas). He continued to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities through 1942, while participating in raiding actions in the Black Sea, with available personnel files recommending him for citations. In addition to his initial Order of the Red Banner (the example here offered), Khokhov received a second Order of the Red Banner, as well a Medal for Battle Merit, an Order of the Red Star, an Order of Lenin, and all requisite campaign medals for Second World War and Black Sea campaign service.