Medal for Valiant Labour 1941-45

[kuztics]

Hi Guys I am just beginning to start collecting soviet WW2 medals. I have seen that some medals have the silver finish on the backing plate and others have gold. From what i have researched I believe that gold means that it is WW2 era and that silver means a later strike.
This is the first medal i was looking at purchasing as it has the gold on the backing plate of the ribbon would it be acceptable to begin my WW2 era Soviet medal collection? Thanks

[Marcel Banziger]

This is a early postwar awarded medal.

Regarding backingplates being silver or gold. They are rather brass, aliminium, steel. Backingplates also got replaced very often due to breaking of the pin (to attach it to your uniform/clothes). So backingplates are not the initial way to go when dating awards.

Yours is a 2nd variant, see the U-shaped ring, which is from 1945-1946.
Медаль "ЗА ДОБЛЕСТНЫЙ ТРУД В ВЕЛИКОЙ
ОТЕЧЕСТВЕННОЙ ВОЙНЕ"

Here's some info regarding backingplates to help you on your way with Soviet awards:
Классификация пятиугольных колодок

[kuztics]

Thank you! Would you recommend Soviet Orders as a reliable dealer to purchase from I've been thinking of purchasing a few medals from them.

[Marcel Banziger]

Matt is thé best for Soviet orders!

[ericfg]

Would you recommend Soviet Orders as a reliable dealer to purchase from I've been thinking of purchasing a few medals from them.

Yes. Highly recommended.