Fake KGB and "Egg" Badges

[Разведка]

I have several of these pinbacks, all manufactured at the Lenemalyer Factory as denoted by a mint marking on the rear, near to the pinback attachment. I have little to add to P's description, except to note that I have two additional variations, one of which sounds similar to yours: one with the red border against white ribbing, and another which is entirely gilted in gold (not just the sword.) I will attempt to upload photos this evening.

It is, I think (for what that's worth :) ) notable that the variations I have seen are pinback, although I have come across one that was modified with epoxy to accept a screw-back attachment. I can't speak as the reason, except that it would seem more durable, especially for attachment on outerwear.

Cheers!

Found them in my archives - here they are!

Pinbacks.jpg

[marsino]

Originally Posted by deValcourt

However, if you want to know all about the tombac, MMD made, KGB issued 50th anniversary screw back badge - just email or PM me (email preferred: devalcourt@gmail.com) and I'll send you the info and pictures that used to be in a thread here before things were done to the thread and in trying to fix those things I accidentally deleted it. However, I still have the info, so just send me an email.

Phillip

Yes! :thumbsup:thumbsup

Here it is, finally I took the photos

Thanks also to you, Razvedka. :thumbsup

* Is 43 mm in height.

[Разведка]

My pleasure! I'll send along the photos of the reverse, along with measurements (if I recall correctly, they were each 43mm x 21mm). The greatest difference (aside from the varied mounting) is that the backs of the Lenemalyer minted versions were smooth, with only a faint shadow of the obverse visible near the sword's hilt.

[marsino]

Originally Posted by Разведка

My pleasure! I'll send along the photos of the reverse, along with measurements (if I recall correctly, they were each 43mm x 21mm). The greatest difference (aside from the varied mounting) is that the backs of the Lenemalyer minted versions were smooth, with only a faint shadow of the obverse visible near the sword's hilt.

Yes, aluminum, paint, lacquer, 43.2 x 20.7 mm. (1957)

[marsino]

Aluminum, paint, lacquer, 43.2 x 20.7 mm. (1967)

[Разведка]

Precisely. See the reverse of my own below.

DSC04416.jpg

[Alfred]

Thanks,

very informative Posts. I thought that all pieces a fantasy pieces.
Good to know that they are real.

best regards
Andreas

[deValcourt]

Here's one I had photos of already on this computer. The word down in the Metro is that the different colors represent different departments/directorates and were given accordingly to those who were not awarded the official tombac versions.

Phillip

[marsino]

On a sales site, this badge is so described:

"Despite its relatively humble appearance, this is definitely an official badge, not a souvenir.

Commemorative badges of this type were awarded to various low ranking employees within KGB and its many axillaries - as opposed to the higher ranking badges in brass awarded exclusively to active duty KGB officers. Some of the aluminum badges were probably also given to KGB retirees."

[deValcourt]

Originally Posted by marsino

On a sales site, this badge is so described:

"Despite its relatively humble appearance, this is definitely an official badge, not a souvenir.

Commemorative badges of this type were awarded to various low ranking employees within KGB and its many axillaries - as opposed to the higher ranking badges in brass awarded exclusively to active duty KGB officers. Some of the aluminum badges were probably also given to KGB retirees."

Please see #352 - I only left out the retired KGB guys. They are certainly real. The screw back is one I've never seen before, but it's made from the same dies as the others. It could also be a local/regional or even a dembel situation because the screw post looks added on after the original production. Just my opinion.

Phillip