Bulgarian National Union "Kubrat'" Membership Badge.

[CtahhR]

Here is a Bulgarian National Union "Kubrat'" Membership Badge.
The Bulgarian National Union "Kubrat'" (Wolf) was founded in secrecy in October 1922 in the aftermath of the "European War" of 1915-18 in which Bulgaria was defeated. Members participated in the 9th June 1923 coup after which the Union took a more public role. The Union was founded with the intention of strengthening and promoting Bulgarian patriotism and nationalism and the unification of the former Greater Bulgarian territory (such as Macedonia).
The Union actively participated in quashing the pro-communist September uprisings of 1923. On 28th March 1930 the Union became a founder of the "Front Against Communism".
Although the union was originally founded to promote Bulgarian patriotism by the early 1930's (and in following with some other European right wing organisations) a racial element to the Union's thrust became evident.
The National Union was outlawed after the 9th September 1944 coup.

These Badges are for the entry level Membership.

There is a considerable amount of "spin" and misinformation about these Badges out there to inflate market prices. They are always available to purchase (often in number). The "Kubrat'" were not a paramilitary nor military organisation and membership was mainly of devoutly Christian (Bulgarian Orthodox), civilian personnel. Although the Union (and all insignia etc.) was outlawed the authorities of the PRB did not send out "death squads" to obliterate every trace of these Badges, it was just not a good idea to wear one in public.

Considerably less "interesting" than some would have us believe, usually just an item that has been at the back of a drawer for decades.

The Badges are constructed from three pieces of alloy, hard enamelled. The screwplate is also enamelled and features the "K" of "Kubrat'".

Membership Badge #274.