Badge "50 Years Of Red Latvian Rifles".

[Will]

I recently acquired an example of the splendid badge that was awarded in 1967 to Latvian veterans of the Bolshevik Revolution (there were apparently two versions, one that was made in Riga and another that was made in Moscow; mine is the Latvian version).

I'm now trying to locate the award document that went with that badge, and I'm wondering whether anyone here has one of those documents, so I will at least know what I'm looking for!

Thank you, gentlemen! :thumbsup

[Pobeda45]

This is a cool badge manufactured in 1967 to veterans of the so-called "Red Latvian Riflemen" regiment, known for their loyalty, bravery, and ruthlessness. The award came in a set of two: huge badge below and a small lapel pin.
Interesting design that combines both the early and modern history of the riflemen.

George

[CtahhR]

The Red Latvian Rifles (Latviešu Sarkanie Strēlnieki/Красные Латышские Стрелки) were founded in May 1917 after the Revolution. They participated in numerous battles against German and White forces before being dispersed after the white victory in Latvia in 1919 and become a legend.

There are a number of variations of this Badge. Most likely down to various factories producing them.

[Pobeda45]

All great info above, except the badge was made by a single firm: "Maksla" in Riga.

The designer was a famous Latvian Rifleman, Eduard Smilga--you can read more about him here if curious: Латвийские Хроники - Латышский стрелок, охранявший Ленина

Here's also a photo from the web of the set of badges with accompanying doc, it looks like they were awarded well after the manufacture date.

George

[CtahhR]

Awarded by a museum!

Maybe more than a single batch was made which would explain variation if they were being awarded for 12+ years.

[marsino]

The small badge was also on the forum, but I can't find it again.