Jubilee Badge "150 Years Of The Bolshoj Theatre".

[plmurphy]

Here is one of the latest additions to my small but growing collection of Soviet badges. It is a very nice Bolshoi Theatre related award but I would be grateful if anyone could identify what it is for. I have another badge which is similar but has the number 200 in the bottom right of the obverse and was awarded in 1976 for the 200th anniversary. There is also a 175th anniversary issue. I wonder was the badge illustrated for another anniversary, for long service or for some type of merit towards the theatre ?

Grateful for your help.

Paul

[Nota Bene]

Paul,

I would venture a guess that it might be a veteran's badge.

Alexei

[plmurphy]

Alexei,

Many thanks, I will see if I can spot one on some of the old timers in the Bolshoi when their new stage opens again for the season in September. I have seen a few of them wearing the 200 year badge before but do not recall seeing this one so I presumed it must be older.

I was at the Bolshoi last night and wandered around looking for someone with this badge but to no avail. The only badges on view were the 225th anniversary version. I asked one of the recipients of that badge if she knew what the unnumbered badge was for but she was adamant that there was no such badge. She had only ever come across numbered badges for 200th or 225th anniversary.

It is not a long service award since they are a totally different shape. A Russian friend suggested it may be given to retirees from the Bolshoi once they retire, which sort of ties in with Alexei's idea of it being for Bolshoi veterans. I will keep looking for information but don't hold your collective breath on this one.

Regards,

Paul

ps. the ballet was also excellent (as always in the Bolshoi). It was The Bright Stream, a good Soviet era ballet about decent fun folk on a collective farm, and I would recommend it if you get an opportunity to see it.

[Nota Bene]

Paul,

A collector friend of mine had also suggested that this could be a veteran's badge. But still no concrete proof :confused:

Alexei

[mikebux]

I have a similar badge and could not find any information. I do not believe it is "modern" based on the triangular banner typical to the early labor medals. I have a feeling it is circa 1950-1960. It is not given to retirees since I knew some and they all get standard "Veteran of Labor" medal on retiring. This is looks like some sort of a "Honorary" badge. More info appreciated.

[ericlida]

Badge without the number is 150 Years of Bolshoj.