Interesting copies

[deValcourt]

I know that most of the ones I am about to show you are copies/reproductions/fakes or fantasy pieces, but whatever you call them they have a certain amount of class. I say this because either directly based on Soviet badges or have an obvious Soviet influence.

The first ones are all based on the original MVD "For Excellent Service" badges that have one of the most appealing designs, yet was given as major awards to prison (including labor camps/GULAGS) guards.

There are photos of an original badge (variation without the holes in the back plate) and then two types of copied or fantasized RF versions. I give either option because I do not know for certain if the design really did continue with just the swap of the central state seal.

Phillip

[deValcourt]

Forgive the lighting problems...

The next photos are of another (when it came about I don't know) variation of the supposed RF versions.

Most MVD badge collectors and historians do agree that a real badge with the RF state seal in place of the CCCP gerb. And even though the next badge was most specifically like the original Soviet version in terms of the backing plate and screw/screw nut, it is still very likely a fake.

The last photo is of the reverse of the first type of copy I showed.

Phillip

[deValcourt]

And lastly for this little demonstration, is a copy/fantasy badge for excellent service in the RF Border Guard - now no longer subordinate to the KGB or even as before 1954 under the MVD/NKVD.

A little side note: the RF border guard are the only part of the former KGB that occupies the infamous Lubyanka building and prison at this time.

Though I have seen this badge only once in a drawing of it in a book published in 1996, I am pretty sure that it is a copy of something more substantial - though I've never seen a real one. It has the standard screwback with the jumping dolphin screw plate from whatever factory that is on the reverse.

Phillip

[EricFG]

I can see why you like these.