Nota Bene Wrote:I don't believe in official copies.
OK. Agreed. But some semi- or non-official badges did get made and were allowed to be worn. We can agree on that, can we not, like the school rhomboids?
Quote:Znachki were made for and sold to collectors, it's as simple as that.
For collectors, or for Soviet citizens that wanted to be seen in a better light by party officials? Forgive an ignorant capitolist but it's my belief that your average low to middle class Soviet citizen would buy these znak and wear them to show his or her comrades just how supportive of the regime he/she was. Is my idea wrong? Did rabid party supporters buy and wear these daily for show? Or were these like coins and stamps that are bought and closeted like in the west?
Quote:The proceeds no doubt were used to better the lives of workers and peasants.
Into the State coffers in other words? I thought so.
Thanks, Alexei. It's so good to have you back with us! :thumbsup :thumbsup
"patina imparts character" - PJS
A wise man said: 'you should not pay a premium for what you want beyond your comfort level, and always ensure there is a mutually agreeable return policy.'
EricFG Wrote:OK. Agreed. But some semi- or non-official badges did get made and were allowed to be worn. We can agree on that, can we not, like the school rhomboids?
I am afraid we can't. School rhombs were officially ordered by the institutions, and Monetniy Dvor was not the only company to have badge-striking capabilities in the Soviet Union.
EricFG Wrote:For collectors, or for Soviet citizens that wanted to be seen in a better light by party officials? Forgive an ignorant capitolist but it's my belief that your average low to middle class Soviet citizen would buy these znak and wear them to show his or her comrades just how supportive of the regime he/she was. Is my idea wrong? Did rabid party supporters buy and wear these daily for show? Or were these like coins and stamps that are bought and closeted like in the west?
You must make a distinction that seems to be lost to most Western collectors:
. award znachki
. commercial znachki
The first ones were not freely available, and were frequently worn as a sign of distinction. The second ones were similar, to take your example, to coins, stamps, pins, beany babies or baseball cards in the West, so, collected.
Lapa Wrote:You must make a distinction that seems to be lost to most Western collectors:
. award znachki
. commercial znachki
The first ones were not freely available, and were frequently worn as a sign of distinction. The second ones were similar, to take your example, to coins, stamps, pins, beany babies or baseball cards in the West, so, collected.
Marc
I suppose that would be most of the anniversary or commemorative badges with a price stamped into the reverse? I can see the idea of feeding a collector such as all the new quarters and nickels we have in the US, I just never really thought about it before.
Just a reminder that this was not an official STATE issued Badge, It was a PARTY issued Badge. I know some folks have issues with items that are not handed down by the state.....
Quote:Originally Posted by EricFG
OK. Agreed. But some semi- or non-official badges did get made and were allowed to be worn. We can agree on that, can we not, like the school rhomboids?
Lapa Wrote:Eric, I am afraid we can't. School rhombs were officially ordered by the institutions, and Monetniy Dvor was not the only company to have badge-striking capabilities in the Soviet Union.
Marc
Marc, the late-issue rhombs, the one's with the plaque attached that some said were fake and some say are private purchase items; those are what I am referreing to when I said "semi- or non-official". I think that is what you mean by the base rhom being "officially ordered" from MMD or others and the plaque added? The plaques on those late badges were not official from what I understand but were allowed to be worn. I also guess that these are similar to the 25th anni of the GPW badge whose ribbon we see so often at the bottom of ribbon bars; it is not an official award but it was allowed to be worn.
Am I close to being right or am I way off base?
"patina imparts character" - PJS
A wise man said: 'you should not pay a premium for what you want beyond your comfort level, and always ensure there is a mutually agreeable return policy.'
I was refering to school rhombs in general, not only the military ones. From as early as the late 1950's~early 1960's, these were produced by MD, but also by other badge manufacturers.
