Greg Collins

Here's my Honour Badge of Sofia, 1st Class with case. No document, though. First the case with the Sofia arms on the lid...

The back and nut of the State Security Academy badge.

This next badge was obviously issued and is well worn. It's a State Security Academy badge. The gilt has worn off in several areas exposing, apparently, silver beneath. These are difficult to find.

The back and nut of the Police Academy badge.

Next, two post '71 badges from the Interior Ministry. First, a Police Academy badge. Gilded brass construction with very little, if any, wear suggest this to be "new old stock" (never issued). These are readily available at reasonable prices.

Isn't it interesting that the colours used in the State seal can change so much from one example to the next... seems to be a complete disregard for continuity. Obviously not on the "Pantone Matching System" at that stage of the game.

As always, beautiful stuff! Thanks for the information, Charles.:beer:

Charles, Got it! Thanks.

Charles, So what you are saying, I believe, is that this is an MSZHSZ badge (Tildy era- before Rakosi's assent) and used as identification of affiliation (membership badge)?

The back of the badge... note that one of the prongs has broken off.

Oooops, double post... sorry.

A recent arrival to the collection, basically bought on a hunch (the price was right). I believe it to be a MOHOSZ military badge of some sort. The reasons are: - the prongs are arranged vertically, indicating a uniform badge rather than a cap badge. - the long handled hammer crossed with a weapon would indicate MOHOSZ, MHS or MHSZ. - the arrangement of the national colours at the base is virtually identical to the way they are on a Rakosi era seal and armed forces cap badge, bringing me to the conclusion that the badge is MOHOSZ. Also, the design of the badge mimics the design of military qualification badges of that time. Now, what was the badge given for?

The back and nut of the Vaptsarov badge...

Another post '71, apparently silver, badge... this one is from the N. Vaptsarov Naval Academy. This was a bit difficult to find.

A Rakosi era badge for Excellent Member of the Cooperative. As the back is flat, unmarked and with a standard pin-type closure, I've decided not to show that aspect.

The back shows one of the "prongs" has broken off over the years.

Another "hard to get" piece... an Excellent Soldier of the B.M. (Internal Ministry) Karhatalom. As the organization was disbanded in 1971, I would place this in the early to mid '60's. I have seen other levels of this badge.

Ian, Yes, your badge is Militie (Police) as well. The silver wash on yours has oxidized over the years, leaving it a darker colour. Also, I can see spots where the silver has worn off leaving the brass to show through. Keep it as it is! No shining! The ranks that would have worn this cap badge are Locotenants (as Kevin said) through Colonels. Sergeants and Warrant Officers badges would have one row of leaves; below that, just the oval and seal (the seal would be stamped into the oval- no colour). An oval with an enameled seal would have been for cadets. Generals wore three rows of leaves, which were embroidered, with a silver-coloured oval and enameled seal placed in the center. Take a look at the thread "Communist Romania Cap Badges" for more of these.

A couple of incidental pieces here that fit nicely into the collection... a Dozsa (Internal Ministry sports club) Spartakiad badge from 1960 and a Volunteer Fireman lapel badge (goes well with the full sized badge I have- will post later).

And, finally, the left side viewed from the back. "Whip" stitch on the side as well...

A right side, rear view shows a "whip" stitch put in by hand...

A view of the right side from the front (no stitch visible)...

Now a view of the rear as it joins the medal...

Charles, As promised, some ribbon views of the Silver grade AVH medal- the Bronze is virtually identical. Taken early morning, open shade. No colour, contrast or light manipulation. I hesitate to uncouple the ribbon ends from the medal as I felt resistance- maybe a crimp- and also because of the stitching. First, the whole medal:

The signature block...