45-mm antitank gun (53-K) became the basis of anti-tank artillery of the Red Army in the initial period of the World War II. The gun design consisted of two main parts: the barrel with the bolt and the mast. Compact design and low gun shield cover ensures its stealth on the battlefield. The gun was designed to fight tanks, self-propelled guns and armored vehicles of the enemy. 53-K, being armed with fragmentation shells and grape-shot, was able to fight against the firing points with light covers, as well as with cavalry and infantry in the open area.
85-mm anti-aircraft gun (52-K) is considered a major anti-aircraft gun during the World War II. The gun was designed to combat aircraft, firing at air assault, living ground targets, and enemy firing points, and also successfully applied for the destruction of enemy tanks. K-52 guns provided protection against air attacks both the front-line units and administrative centers, and industrial enterprises. After the Great Patriotic War cannons have long been used by the Soviet army before adopting missile systems.
76 mm divisional gun (ZIS-3) appeared on the fronts of the World War II in the midst of fierce fighting in 1942. It was unique because of its technical excellence and maneuverability, power and rate of fire, accuracy and long range among the field guns. ZIS-3 successfully and accurately fired both indirect and direct fire, repulsing infantry. 76 mm different types’ shells successfully pierced the armor of German tanks and destroyed their field fortifications. High mobility allowed to apply this gun in a variety of road and weather conditions.
122 mm howitzer (M-30) was adopted with an official name “122mm howitzer divisional M1938”. Howitzer had a modern design for its time: carriage with sliding frame and the sprung wheeled swing. Used for firing from concealed positions on entrenched and unsheltered manpower of the enemy. Howitzer successfully used for the destruction of enemy field fortifications (trenches, bunkers, pillboxes) and making passes into wire fence because of the inability to use mortars.
Postage stamps depict: 45-mm antitank gun (53-K), 85-mm anti-aircraft gun (52-K), 76-mm divisional gun (ZIS-3), 122-mm howitzer (M-30).
An illustrated cover has been prepared for the release with four stamps, a miniature sheet and first day covers with cancellation (Moscow, Saint-Petersburg) inside.
Design: A. Drobyshev.
Face value: 12, 15, 18, 20 RUB
Size of stamps: 65 x 32.5 mm; size of sheet with illustrated margins: 226 x 195 mm, size of miniature sheet: 170 x 170 mm.
Form of issue: sheet with illustrated margins with 15 (3 x 5) stamps, miniature sheet with 8 (2 x 4) stamps.
Circulation: 450 thousand stamps of each theme (30 thousand sheets of each postal stamp, 55 thousand miniature sheets).
Soviet artillery in the World War II played a crucial role and has become the main firepower of the Ground Forces. Each operation started with the thunder of hundreds and thousands of guns and continued with artillery support.
Stamp booklet consists of 10 pages and a cover and includes 4 stamp sheets (each for 1 mark) and 6 pages with accompanying text.
Design: R. Komsa, A. Ilyina.
Form of issue: 180 x 100 mm.
Circulation: 12 thousand.
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