I have been reviewing past threads on these badges and I am wondering whether there is now any opinion, in one direction or another, as to what these badges are all about and whether they are genuine Soviet period pieces?
By "commemorative badges" I am referring to any Soviet Navy badge that was not a defined regulation award. The "commemorative badges" usually feature a ship or submarine; often a commemorative date ("20 years"; "30 years"; etc) and sometimes the name of a ship or a numeric designation of a submarine ("K-133"). Sometimes they commemorate the anniversary of a Navy School.
The badges often appear very well made. They exist in both screw back and pin back examples. The designs are often striking and the enamel work is impressive.
So, do we have any idea about these badges?
Were they dembel pieces? Were they ever "officially" presented to a seaman upon his departure from the boat? If the badge commemorates an anniversary of an achievement by a ship, were such badges given to past or present crew members of that ship? Do any photos exist of these badges being worn, even on civilian clothing or on a veteran's uniform? Or are they, in whole or in part, complete "fantasy" or tourist souvenir pieces?
Any thoughts?
By "commemorative badges" I am referring to any Soviet Navy badge that was not a defined regulation award. The "commemorative badges" usually feature a ship or submarine; often a commemorative date ("20 years"; "30 years"; etc) and sometimes the name of a ship or a numeric designation of a submarine ("K-133"). Sometimes they commemorate the anniversary of a Navy School.
The badges often appear very well made. They exist in both screw back and pin back examples. The designs are often striking and the enamel work is impressive.
So, do we have any idea about these badges?
Were they dembel pieces? Were they ever "officially" presented to a seaman upon his departure from the boat? If the badge commemorates an anniversary of an achievement by a ship, were such badges given to past or present crew members of that ship? Do any photos exist of these badges being worn, even on civilian clothing or on a veteran's uniform? Or are they, in whole or in part, complete "fantasy" or tourist souvenir pieces?
Any thoughts?
