Think about what it is that attracted you to Soviet items in the first place and go from there!
The imagery? Ww2 in general? Certain campaigns of Ww2? Labour items? Post war campaigns? Or just things that look plain cool.
Its more than easy to get lost with the sheer amount of stuff out there but you'll have a lot of fun doing so!
Also, before laying out any cash, its always a good idea to share pictures of what youve been offered with the guys on here just to check its legitimate. There's an awful lot of fake stuff out there and there's no worse start to collecting than getting ripped off!
Thanks, awesome post. I love the heroism of the Russians in WW2, and the imagery. It does look plain cool too, that blood red screams "Don't mess with me!". What got you fellows into collecting?
I personally prefer the bravery of Georgians during the GPW but Russians do it for me too... (Remembering that the Georgians were not fighting to liberate their home soil whereas the Russians were). Anything Soviet is fine with me.
My favourites include the 414th Rifle Division and anything Railway related but I'll take anything that's not nailed down (and a few things that were).
Availability and selection are the simple reasons why I got into it. There are so many awards for almost every activity covering all the communist nations of the world. From the "Destroy everything imperial" early RSFSR, to the transitional "imperial communists" of Bulgaria, to the 21st century Juche processions of Korea.
Keep remembering that it was the Soviet Union with a Red Army and not a Russian Army. The only Russian army that fought in the GPW fought for Hitler (not a German) against Stalin (Not a Russian, nor his sidekick Berija).
I picked this up as part of a lot, and can't figure it out. Not security services, which is my preference, but the plough and hammer indicate to me RKKA pre-1930s and the sabers made me think cavalry. Short of that, I have no idea.
The piece is beautiful; silver or gilded brass, five-piece riveted construction (star, shield & swords, lettering, laurels, and green ribbon) with hot enamel showing no visible cracks or chips. The makers marks on the back include an "84" on the right and one that I can't identify.
The overall quality of the Badge (such as the sabre handles) is poor and the reverse looks cast. It also doesn't have the wear and patina such an item would show being c90 years old.
CtahhR Wrote:The overall quality of the Badge (such as the sabre handles) is poor and the reverse looks cast. It also doesn't have the wear and patina such an item would show being c90 years old.
