Soviet Unknown 1917 Russian badge

[JBFloyd]

This is a silvered brass/bronze badge, 40mm in diameter, with a vertical pin on the reverse (which looks like German Wound Badge pins of the period).

Any help with an identification would be greatly appreciated.

[Claudius]

This is a silvered brass/bronze badge, 40mm in diameter, with a vertical pin on the reverse (which looks like German Wound Badge pins of the period).

Any help with an identification would be greatly appreciated.

It looks an early commemorative pin to me.

Not from 1917, but commemorative of the 1917 revolution.

[ph3s]

It looks an early commemorative pin to me.

Not from 1917, but commemorative of the 1917 revolution.

I double it, in 1917 coat of arms symbol was hammer, plow and rifle,

hammer and sickle appears later in 20s

[Belaruski]

Not strictly true. The Hammer and plough was the Red Army symbol but hammer and sickles did appear before the 20's. I think I have a 1919 banknote somewhere with one on it.

I personally think this is non-Soviet and probably a German comemorative piece. Potentially very rare if 20's / early 30's German.

Why German? Well the pin is rarely encountered on Soviet or even Russian badges of the period (even from 1900-today) The oakleaves are Germanic, Soviet insignia prefers wheat and cog wheels, and lastly the 7 in 1917 is crossed, typically German and not seen on Soviet awards or badges of the era. Have a look at the 'Arsenal' badge to see all these features missing! (It's screwback, has cog wheel and wheatsheafs and no 'cross' on the 1917).

[Valter]

Very good observations, Belaruski! I've never noticed the bar across "7" issue, but when I look on some soviet pieces, you're right.

[Greg Collins]

There's a Hungarian look to this badge, in my opinion. I have several badges that are similar to it, although the hinged clasp is decidedly different. Nice looking badge wherever it's from.