Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Badge "Excellent Machingunner".
#1
Hi Guys, I have been looking for one of these, and at the weekend I met up with an internet friend who very kindly gave me this badge. Thank you Robb :thumbsup

I am still new to collecting badges and awards. My library lacks the book about these series of badges. I do know that there certain variations of these. I would be very grateful if someone could tell me exactly which type I have?

Thanks!

Cheers, Ade.


Attached Files Image(s)
Excellent-Machine-Gunners-b.jpg 111.jpg
Reply
#2
Ade, there are now several good fakes of this series.

Is anyone else out there troubled by this badge? The nut appears contemporary (perhaps not original to this series), but I don't like the uneven obverse lettering and overall lack of wear/patina.
Reply
#3
Hi Paul, thanks for your thoughs. Here are a couple more pics which might help the members decide?

I am always a little wary of this series of badges given what I have read here. I am aware of the lower quality fakes, which exhibit poorer quailty enamel work and a much flatter appearance especially to the disc which bears the name and hammer and sickle.

Cheers, Ade.


Attached Files Image(s)
details-001.jpg details.jpg
Reply
#4
I still don't have a warm and fuzzy. I'm looking at six samples I have and they all have crisp lettering and actual wear/patina. Anyone else?
Reply
#5
I'm not an expert but I'm tending towards "yay". It's awfully similar to one for sale on the net, and these badges do tend to be pretty crude compared to Soviet Orders.
If possible Ade could you post brighter pictures, like in post 3, of the full front and back, sans the backing plate?
"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.'
Reply
#6
Hi Guys, thanks once again for the help.

Light conditions are not great, given the time of day here and the fact we have no summer weather, just heavy rain. So these are the best I can do.

In hand the badge does exhibit more wear than in the pics. The gilding is only just there in places, see the left side leaves and the bronze finish around the shield is worn back. Looking at the back I think someone might have polished it in the past, there appears to be a trace of "Brasso" type metal polish residue in the circular part; see under the screw post for where I mean.

No worries if this turns out to be bad: as I mentioned it was a gift, but I would like to know one way or the other if possible.

Cheers, Ade.


Attached Files Image(s)
mg-001.jpg mg-002.jpg
Reply
#7
Here is an original from my collection for comparison. I'm no expert, but I have noticed few differences between our 2 badges. Maybe because they were made from different mint ??? I guess we need help from some experts on the subject.


Attached Files Image(s)
Machine gunner badge.jpg
Reply
#8
There were many types of this and other badges which accounts for the slightly varied designs. I guess the lettering in the second example is equally uneven. Maybe Ade's is good afterall.
Reply
#9
According to one hardcover Russian reference I have, there were ten distinct varieties of this particular badge, and both the badges above appear to fit into at least one of those variants.
Reply
#10
Thank you for the info.

I really need to expand my libray: would the book you mention still be worth buying to someone who's Russian is sadly none existent?

Cheers, Ade.
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread:
Militaria for sale on