Soviet Yet another NKVD Badge

[Stogieman]

This one looks a little more interesting to my eye. What am I missing? real? Bogus?

Thanks much for the help!

[Stogieman]

Additional view.

[Stogieman]

Now here's where it gets a tad more interesting. I am much more inclined to accept this document as authentic. Is it real? Thanks!

[Stogieman]

And the interior. I hate to say this, but the photo... well, he looks a little too happy to be NKVD!

[Dudeman]

Run away, real fast. The badge is not up to the high standards of real badges. The edges should fit better and the nut/reverse looks like crap. The document is equally bogus - I've seen stacks of these booklets in Kiev. These are also discussed in length on another forum - PM and I can send you the web address.

[HuliganRS]

I agree!

The badge seems to be missing the S/N and it's not up to par. Especially the enamel.

The book looks like it was made last nigh on artificially aged paper.

Russians used cheap paper and almost everything in that book should look old and faded. The stamp is way to new looking. The beria signature is in pink? Ha?

Rusty.

[HuliganRS]

Maybe the signature was Red but with artificial aging it took on pink?

Who knows...

Rusty.

[Stogieman]

I find these "State Security Badges" fascinating. The intricacy of construction and the enamel work is right up there with what I know and love in Imperial german quality. This is a real minefield and I am trying very hard to learn as much as I can and really appreciate all your help and patience with my (seemingly) endless questions!

I'd buy the one Igor has, but the damages to his put me off. I don't mind the price and trust him to know his stuff pretty cold. My thing is if I'm going to own one of these, I want the condition to be the absolute best I can find.

Like I said, the guy in the photo looks a little too happy to be NKVD ;>)

The badge is tougher for me to gauge as there's so little available to me to reference it against. Thanks much guys! Run away, I shall!

[HuliganRS]

These have always been faked!

To find one with perfect enamel and a document would set you back a nice chunk of cash.

Rusty.

[Vatjan]

The nice thing about these fake docs is that they leave the space for the serial number blank.

That way you can add the number of your (fake) badge to match, pretty cool

Jan

Edited December 14, 2005 by vatjan

[Danny]

I find these "State Security Badges" fascinating. The intricacy of construction and the enamel work is right up there with what I know and love in Imperial german quality. This is a real minefield and I am trying very hard to learn as much as I can and really appreciate all your help and patience with my (seemingly) endless questions!

I'd buy the one Igor has, but the damages to his put me off. I don't mind the price and trust him to know his stuff pretty cold. My thing is if I'm going to own one of these, I want the condition to be the absolute best I can find.

Like I said, the guy in the photo looks a little too happy to be NKVD ;>)

The badge is tougher for me to gauge as there's so little available to me to reference it against. Thanks much guys! Run away, I shall!

Here is a website for you to view KGB/NKVD badges. It loads pretty slow but well worth the time. Will give you an idea of what the badges and documents should look like.

http://nkvdcollect.narod.ru/photoalbum1.html

[Stogieman]

Wow Danny, Thanks!! I will study it well!

[HuliganRS]

I forgot about that site.

My bad.

Rusty.

[Stogieman]

While we are on the subject, I'll toss this one out. Even to my extremely uninitiated eyes this looks like a cast piece of rubbish!

[Stogieman]

Reverse.... look at all the casting pocks on this.

The numbers look downright stupid compared to other engraving I've studied so far!

[Stogieman]

Final picture.

As an aside, this one's in Armenia and the asking price is 1600 GBP

[HuliganRS]

No good.

Rusty.

[Danny]

Final picture.

As an aside, this one's in Armenia and the asking price is 1600 GBP

Correct it is bad. The mint marks are not at the correct place. Not a good copy at all.

[HuliganRS]

I would highly suggest getting items like these from reputable dealers!

I looked at the one Rick mentioned and that badge is priced according to the damage!

If the enamel behind the sword was not missing I would recommend getting it but in this condition it's very hard selling one of these!

Rusty.

[Gerd Becker]

Rick,

if you didn?t see them already, take a look at these at CollectRussia:

http://collectrussia.com/DISPITEM.HTM?ITEM=11764

http://collectrussia.com/DISPITEM.HTM?ITEM=12831

I haven?t handled any real ones of these either, but these look really good to me and they come from a reputable dealer, so i trust on it, they are ok.

best,

Gerd

[HuliganRS]

Gerd,

1st one is the one we're discussing above.

2nd one is nice! That group is very attractive.

Rusty.

[Ed_Haynes]

Neither is cheap, but sometimes quality costs. Likewise, while no dealer (or collector) is perfect, there is something to be said for dealing with established and trusted folks -- you may pay a premium for that, but . . . ??

[HuliganRS]

Ed,

First one is cheap compared to todays prices but it's condition is what kept it that price for at least a year!

Cheap these are not, rare they are!

Rusty.

[Ed_Haynes]

Yes . . . the perennial trade-off -- and I am never certain where I come down: pretty, pristine, and untouched or soaked in history (and beaten up by that same history)?

[HuliganRS]

Ed,

I think that depends in what your collecting preference lies.

I personally prefer my awards with minimal damage.

Soaked in history this badge really is! This was no low level award.

Rusty.