Russia, Soviet Union. A Medal for Distinguished Labour, Type II, to a Female, Valentina Norutin

(Медаль За трудовое отличие). Instituted in 1938. In silver with red enamels, measuring 32 mm in diameter, intact enamels, scattered tarnishing, original ribbon, mounted to a five-sided aluminum suspension with pinback, near extremely fine. Accompanied by its hardcovered Award Document named to a female, Valentina Norutin (numbered 490878, dated February 20, 1974, measuring 75 mm (w) x 107 mm (h)).

Footnote: The Medal for Distinguished Labour was a civilian labour award of the Soviet Union bestowed to especially deserving workers to recognize and honour high performances in labour or contributions in the fields of science, culture or the manufacturing industry. In just over fifty years of existence, it was bestowed to over two million deserving citizens. It was established on December 27, 1938 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Its statute was amended three times by further decrees, first on June 19, 1943, to amend its description and ribbon, then on December 16, 1947, to amend its regulations, and finally on July 18, 1980, to confirm all previous amendments. The medal ceased to be awarded following the December 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union. It was awarded to workers, farmers, specialists of the national economy, workers of science, culture, education, health and to other to citizens of the USSR, and in exceptional cases, to foreign nationals, for: an impact on work conducive to the growth of labour productivity and improvement in product quality, for achievements in the socialist competition; contribution to the construction or reconstruction of major economic projects; valuable innovations and rationalization proposals; successful work in the field of science, culture, literature, the arts, education, health, trade, catering, housing, utilities, public services, or in other areas of employment; active work in the communist education and training of young people, for success in public and social activities; and achievements in the field of physical culture and sports.