We all know the importance of tractor to the economy of the CCCP. My question is - who was responsible to the issuing the tractor driver's ID? Was the Kolkhoz authorised to teach and test new tractor drivers?
This is from my collection of documents:
Under the banner of Marxism-Leninism, under the leadership of the Communist Party--forward to new victories in the construction of communism!
This one issued by Uzhumsk (try pronouncing it without permanent damage to your jaws :)) Association Selkhoztekhnica (agricultural machinery). I believe it must be some sort of Government teaching and licencing centre.
I think these selkhoztekhniki are the descendants of the famour Machine Tractor Stations - the centres which provided the mechanized services to the local collective and state farms.
This came in today. It's a nice, non-military driver's badge. I've seen it described as "excellent tractorist" but according to my Russian speaking coworkers it's a badge for road drivers and the 'III' designates heavier vehicles like buses or tractor trailers. The 'I' on the other version for this badge would be for the lightest vehicles; like cars. This is the second time that I've noticed that 'I' designates the lesser classification and 'II' & 'III' consecutively higher; in direct contrast to what we call in the West first, second or third class.
The wording on this badge: ТРАКТОРИСТ-МАШИНИСТ translates roughly into THE TRACTOR OPERATOR-MACHINIST.
I've seen three classes of these, in different colors for each class.
This has a nice mirror reverse to it and I assume it's been stamped (as opposed to cast or coined)
"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.'
Here is the document that I believe goes with this badge, or at least from someone qualified to wear the badge. It came with with a 3rd class badge I have in my collection. This person appears to be from Tokmak in the Kirghiz SSR.
Thanks Simon, that's cool. I've not seen anything like that before. It's dated 1966, right?
It looks like 'АТТЕСТАТ' is another word for certificate, but I can't make out the heading on the second page above all that filled-in information (which must mean something), is it 'Нанменорание'? The doc's so heavily used it's hard to make out.
"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.'
You got close with the word - it is actually Наименование or Designation. I think the date is actually 1961 (bottom of left page) or 1960/1961 (at top of right page). Loss of ink makes the 1960 look like 1966.
