Newbie question, Workers & Peasants Militsiya blue star?

[Koba64]

Hello folks, I'm more of a modeller than a collector. I am making an early Militsiya figure and need to research the correct cap badges for the period before i cast the results in pewter.

I'm hoping that someone can help me out with maybe a picture or a decent description of the blue star cap badge that officially replaced the shield-shaped red badge of the Militsiya in 1931.
I am reading the Bekesi & Torok 'KBG and Soviet security uniforms & militaria' and this is mentioned on page 15.

As well as the blue star I would greatly appreciate a look at the original red shield badge as well because there are no close ups of this in the book.

Best regards,
Mike

[vvadim]

This is more complex that you may think. While model 1931 small blue star for visor hat is more or less as described in regulations. Large star for helmet is different story. Great variety of large blue star can be seen on numerous photographs and in movies. This is just some examples.

[vvadim]

Originally Posted by Koba64

As well as the blue star I would greatly appreciate a look at the original red shield badge as well because there are no close ups of this in the book.

Be careful with that book. In most cases it’s very inaccurate and misleading.

[Koba64]

Thank you so very much Vadim :thumbsup That is such a great help to me. I think I know what you mean about the Bekesi book, it makes great statements and does not back itself visually.
Thanks again for those images!

[vvadim]

Originally Posted by Koba64

I think I know what you mean about the Bekesi book, it makes great statements and does not back itself visually.

It’s depends what you mean by “great statements”. In my opinion “unbelievable statements” is more accurate. I mean I can’t believe what he is writing. Most of his statements in that book just products of his imagination and impossible to back up visually or otherwise.

By the way badge on the photo on page 15 you are referring to is actually this one.

[Koba64]

Nice work Vadim, thanks! What I meant was he does not always back up statements, the blue star really should have been shown for example, it feels poorly researched to me even though i know just about nothing :chuckle

Just out of a growing curiosity, are the blue stars expensive?
Thanks again.
Mike

[vvadim]

Originally Posted by Koba64

are the blue stars expensive?

Copy of large blue star in Moscow cost $150. I don't know how much for the copy of small one, but real one well above $1000.

[Koba64]

Wow! thats quite a price for the small star, i didn't see that coming.

I have spent quite a long time on this site since my first question and I feel as if I am going to start a collection, badges rather than medals I believe. I regret not searching more seriously when I was in the market in Odesa last year..

If it is not too much trouble or against forum rules is there anything you can suggest to help me on my way? The Shawn M Caza site looked promising but the 'are they fake' section is down.

Anyway, thanks for the help with the Militsiya badges Vadim.
Cheers.

[willie777]

Originally Posted by Koba64

Wow! thats quite a price for the small star, i didn't see that coming.

I have spent quite a long time on this site since my first question and I feel as if I am going to start a collection, badges rather than medals I believe. I regret not searching more seriously when I was in the market in Odessa last year..

If it is not too much trouble or against forum rules is there anything you can suggest to help me on my way? The Shawn M Caza site looked promising but the 'are they fake' section is down.

Anyway, thanks for the help with the Militsiya badges Vadim.
Cheers.

Shawn is actually a moderator here, but he's been AWOL for a while...

[Koba64]

Ah ha! thats handy then :) Fingers crossed he turns up some time in the not too distant future!
There seems to be a fantastic amount of 'reproduction work' going on out there and the prices are quite frightening sometimes. I think I need to pick up some essential badge knowledge similar to the defence of Odesa and Sevastopol medals being base metal and without numbers making them fakers targets.
Anyway, at least I'm in the right place if you dont mind some daft questions :thumbsup
cheers.
Mike