The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Red Army
Ivan Konev (1897–1973): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 28 December 1897 (16 December Old Style), Lodeino |
|---|---|
| Died | 21 May 1973, Moscow |
| Key roles | Marshal of the Soviet Union (March 1944); 1st Ukrainian Front, Berlin (1945); Warsaw Pact commander (1955–1960) |
| Documents bearing his name | Front command documents, award papers, signed photographs |
| In the collection | No pieces currently available |
Ivan Konev was Zhukov’s great rival. His forces advanced to the Oder and, together with Zhukov’s, captured Berlin in 1945. After the war he became the first commander of the Warsaw Pact forces.
Who Was Ivan Konev?
Konev was born in Lodeino in 1897. He was made a Marshal of the Soviet Union in March 1944 after trapping about 100,000 German troops in the Korsun salient. His forces advanced to the Oder and, with Zhukov’s, captured Berlin. From 1955 to 1960 he commanded the forces of the Warsaw Pact.
What Documents Bear Konev’s Signature?
His signature appears on command documents, award papers and signed photographs.
Soviet documents bring their own checks. Signatures are usually in Cyrillic, and official papers combine typed text, printed forms, ink signatures and round seals. A collector should read the Russian text, compare the office named with the date, and remember that Soviet state papers were often reproduced, so many documents carry a printed or stamped signature rather than ink.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Read the Cyrillic text and check the office against the date.
- Distinguish ink signatures from printed or stamped ones.
- Soviet-era reproductions and later commemorative items are common.
- Ask for documented provenance on any important piece.
Later Life
Konev died in Moscow on 21 May 1973.
Collector’s Note
Konev and Zhukov documents of 1945 are often collected together. I check each against the movements of their fronts in the final weeks of the war.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did Konev become a marshal?
In March 1944.
Did Konev take part in the capture of Berlin?
Yes, together with Zhukov’s forces.
What did Konev command after the war?
The forces of the Warsaw Pact, from 1955 to 1960.
Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the Soviet period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of political repression and war.
References & Further Reading
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, Ivan Stepanovich Konev.