MHSZ and earlier incarnations

[Greg Collins]

Just received this badge today and, although I don't know exactly what it is, I believe it to be a MOHOSZ military badge. The reasons are as follows:

- the opposing prongs (one broken off) are arranged on the vertical- indicating a badge worn on the uniform. Cap badges fastening devices are arranged horizontally.

- the long handled hammer crossed with the weapon would indicate one of three related organizations: MOHOSZ, MHS or MHSZ.

- the "clincher" for me is how the national colours are arranged at the badge's bottom... virtually identical to the Rakosi seal and armed forces cap badge.

Also, the overall design of the badge is very similar to the Rakosi era military qualification badges.

Thanks to Charles Duncan, I have found out this is a Rakosi era MSZHSZ membership badge from 1949 (pre-MOHOSZ).