Fake KGB and "Egg" Badges

[Nota Bene]

Chris,

Thanks for the scans.

I can't really say anything about the OGPU Graduation Badge, I have never seen one before, but I do have my doubts - the patina doesn't look right, the hammer and sickle looks a little off center, and the hammer head appears a little disproportionate. I find it a little unusual that the tips of the star would cover the letters.

I am inclined to believe that the 1924 Criminal Police badge is a fake, same bad looking patina, especially on the shield at 6 o'clock, and I find it hard to believe that a badge this old would not have any significant traces of wear. This badge is extremely rare, and i have only seen one before, and it was quite beat with damaged enamel.

The 5th Anniversary of the OGPU badge is unlike anything I have ever seen before: sword handle is unusual, sword tip is too short, hammer and sickle is too wide, shaky and raised "OGPU/ VChK" letters as opposed to enameled ones. Hmmmmm.........

The 15th Anniversary of the OGPU is also quite unusual, I especially don't like the sickle tip, which has to be right in the center of the sword's cross guard. It could certainly be a variation.

These badges are very commonly faked, and the quality of those fakes is usually very impressive, so thye need to be studied in person and in every detail.

Alexei