Scarce Stalin Prize of First Degree from 1942, signed inside, “J. Stalin,” 10 x 14.25, eight pages, with a hard brown cover. Cover features a 3-inch diameter Bas-relief of Stalin and Lenin. The fourth page features a 4 x 6 portrait of Stalin. The fifth page reads, (translated): “By the decision of the Soviet of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Union issued on 10th of April, 1942, Stalin’s Prize First Degree is awarded to:
-Kostikov Andrey Grigoryevich, Hero of Socialist Labor.
-Aborenkov Vasily Vasilievich, General-Major of Artillery.
-Gvay Ivan Isidorovich, Military Engineer of 2nd Degree.
-Golgovsky Vladimir Nikolaevich, Constructor
For inventing new types of weapons.” Following page reads, “This diploma is issued to Aborenkov Vasily Vasilievich,” and is signed in blue ink by Stalin as Chairman of Soviet of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Union, and also signed, “Chaadaev,” as in charge of Affairs of Sovnarkom. An ink seal of Soviet of People’s Commissar is on the left of the signatures. Also included is the leatherbound certificate of the recipient of this Award, Aborenkov Vasily Vasilievich, 4.25 x 3, featuring a 1 x 1.5 clipped photo of Vasilievich, as well as the original ribbon of the medal he received in 1942.
In very good condition, with mild blocks of toning to inside pages, a couple vertical creases to most pages, including signed page, and some scattered light wear and outward curling to covers.
The prestigious Stalin Prize existed from 1941 to 1954 and was one of the Soviet Union’s highest honors. This award was given to Aborenkov Vasily Vasilievich for developing a new type of rocket artillery, the multiple rocket launcher BM-13, later nicknamed Katyusha (Little Katie), a launcher that delivered a devastating amount of explosives to a target area quickly and was inexpensive and easy to produce. The Katyushas of World War II were usually mounted on trucks, allowing them to fire and then move before being located by the enemy. They were also often grouped together to create a shock effect on enemy forces. German troops called the Katyusha “Stalin’s organ,” referring to the weapon’s appearance and sound, and the rocket launcher’s effectiveness helped to lower morale in the German army. By the end of 1942, 3,237 Katyusha launchers had been built and by the end of the war production reached 10,000. A rare one-of-a-kind piece of Soviet/Russian and Word War II history. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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