Veteran KGB - Marine Coast Guard badge

[new world]

Veteran KGB - Marine Coast Guard badge.

Is this real badge or fantasy one?

[Nota Bene]

New World,

The truth is that nobody knows for sure - it could very well be a private issue veteran's badge, or a fantasy piece coined in the Baltic states. I have never seen one with genuine wear, so I personally believe that they are fantasy.

Alexei

[otlichnik]

Several people have got badges like this from serving Russian sailors. However, this does not mean that they are genuine official items.

I myself have bought some fantasy badges at Russian Voentorgi (military PX stores). These seem to be in the category of semi-official fantasy items. Not official items and not wearable on uniforms (at least while "in formation" or on base) but sold through semi-official channels.

As a comparison the PXs at the SFOR bases here in Bosnia are full of similar items from Western countries. Badges, pins, patches, etc none of which are official or can be worn on uniforms but which are sold at the PXs.

Soldiers' souveniers.

Shawn

[Nota Bene]

Shawn,

Some of them are probably semi-official badges - not authorised, but intended to be kept as good memories of the service, and still collectible. I still believe that most are fantasy pieces made in the formet SU exclusively for Western markets.

Alexei