Chris S

Chuck ...this is a State Prize Group I posted some time ago...the medal matches the award doc! http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=2693 Regards Chris

<<This is the dad of them all an imperial shooting badge in silver... Chris>>.... I'm sure you are correct on this Chuck...I used it as a figure of speech as these early examples showed that the Soviets did not invent the magnificent designs on their awards but were carrying on an imperial tradition. I saw a bronze version of the silver badge some time ago but passed on it as I am not an imperial collector...to scared I guess to get hooked on another avenue which would leave the pocket book more empty and the wife more upset that there is no food in the house. Regards Chris

The Best Sniper...a nice salty worn WW2 issue...the wearer of this must have killed a fair few Germans. Chris

These badges then developed into the Excellent series of badges for all trades in WW2...Best Rifleman....

This is the dad of them all an imperial shooting badge in silver... Chris

A higher grade of the Osoaviakhim Marksman badge

This is an earlier version first issued in 1928. Chris

Chuck Here's one I have...in quite good condition Chris

The back... Chris

Chuck This is one I have...issued between the 30ties and 50ties I believe... Chris

These are the connecting plates for the back, original to the badge. Chris

Hi Wild Card I have to admit these are good omens that the bronze version is recognised in other published books and that it is three piece with a crisp back. I would not have made the comment "it looks like a copy" with these facts. I will keep my fingers crossed you have a good one and that both versions of a very rare badge are now displayed together. Attached the back of my silver prison service... Regards Chris

An old boy in Tartu who I got quite a few of my things from said he had a friend in Moscow and his hobbie was collecting fakes... Chris

They are sold as copies Chris

Hi Wild Card The badge you show is the "Chief of Military Police" which is the prison chiefs twin. However they were made in silver only according to my avers No 5. That coupled with its one piece construction and lack of wear leads me to think it is a copy. Cheers Chris

Chuck I know little of these but the Russians were masters of badge making...fantastic piece...with a real bit of history! Chris

Maybe I'm cheating a bit but this badge also came in "Chiefs of military Police" It is for ten years anniversary of the Revolution awarded in 1927, made of silver and enamels this badge was for ?Chiefs of the Prison Service? my best interpretation as it was only awarded to the higher echelons in both services...as these people later on fell out of favour with Stalin not many survived... Chris

The back 3 piece including a piece of cloth...

This is a mid thirties Police badge worn or a cap and on the arm I believe...

The back...

This is an early cap badge I have...quite similar to the one in your foto...? Chris

Off topic is good...I always view threads as twists any way.... 200 US for a silver variation....they are going for 1500 + on Russian sites... http://www.mirnagrad.ru/cgi-bin/catalogue....asket=348238702 Check out that

The backs...

Just dug these out....made in silver...