Tank Commander Badge.

[CtahhR]

I recently picked up this badge in a large lot for about 12 cents per item and am lead to believe it is from Belarus. I've seen similar Soviet badges but this badge is lacking the star on the turret of the tank. Unlike suggested by the poor photograph by the poor camera (took over 30 pictures and this is the best), the badge has a fair bit of detail and is made of brass. The reverse has "БТ" at the centre-bottom at the the 4-5 O'Clock it is stamped with the serial 063. The screwplate is maker-marked "ЭM" with a crown after. If anyone out there knows what, when and why this badge is it'd be a great help. Thanking in advance.

Is this a continuation of the Soviet Tank Commander's Graduation Badge?

[Belaruski]

I've not seen one of these before. The lack of star on the turret would make it 1991-1996 if it was Belarusian, but the crown is unusual, not a common symbol in Belarus!
Personally I think it's too well made to be early post Soviet Belarusian!

[desantnik]

Possibly "bronye-tankovii" - Armored Forces.

[CtahhR]

If that is so it could still well be a Belarusian Armoured Officers Graduation Badge as it was described when I purchased it. With no corroborating evidence either text nor photographic I'm not certain that it is that. There is also not a lot of evidence against it.

I have spent many hours searching the net trying to find any information on this but so far absolutely nothing on this particular Badge - just hazy information on the Soviet variation.

Here is an update on the images.

[CtahhR]

From information received when purchasing the lots that this was part of it would be pre-1995 but I was informed that this item was from Belarus (along with other definitely Belarusian items).

If someone recognised the mint it would be a step in the right direction.

I have seen a similar design 1930's Soviet award Badge but even information on that is very lacking.

I must say though that although it doesn't have the quality (nor metal content) of Soviet items that it is a very nice piece with a good feel to it.

Does the ЭМ point to anything obvious?

Would the "BT" be for Belarusian something? (Rather than a model of tank).