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OGPU Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Badge, 3rd Class, late 1920s - early 1930s
Height: 49.02 mm
Width: 29.48 mm
Weight (w/ screw plate): 14.805 g
Weight (w/o screw plate): 12.445 g
Screw Length: 9.38 mm
Issue No. 58
The badge was awarded exclusively to OGPU servicemen for achieving high marks at a shooting range. Although in theory it could be issued to a Border Guard of State Security trooper of any rank, the majority of recipients were probably officers. This would explain the rarity of the badge: in the mid‑ to late‑1930s, the mid‑ to high‑level leadership of the NKVD (formerly the OGPU) was decimated by repeated purges, leaving relatively few badges and recipients still in existence by the beginning of the Second World War. The crossed rifles are a separate superimposed element attached by copper wires to the diamond‑shaped body.
The crossed rifles have little to no movement, as the folded‑over pins remain tight. One pin is visibly bent, causing the crossing point of the rifles to sit slightly off‑center relative to the target. There is noticeable damage to the blue enamel surrounding the diamond. Age spots can also be seen in the central white enamel of the target, along with some remaining silvering on the front side. However, there is significantly more silvering visible on the reverse.
After extensive research, there appears to be a considerable variety of these types not included in Sysolyatin’s Soviet Badges, Volume 2: Law Enforcement Agencies or in ABEPC 1–6, 8. I was able to find a number of non‑stamped varieties made of brass or bronze with silver plating and enamel. Many of the examples with published measurements were extremely close to the piece offered here.
One particular non‑stamped variety has the exact same through‑pin locations, inscription placement, silvering pattern, and what appears to be a gold‑colored “gilding” on the rifles (see last photos for the archived listing I am referring to). This gilding also seems to be present on this piece in the small areas that are more resistant to wear.
Another detail worth noting is the orientation of the flagpole strings near the top, which are looped toward the center of the badge rather than simply up and over the flags, as seen on other early stamped examples. This feature is consistent with the comparison listing I used to draw parallels. I have also included a second example for reference, though it shows some non‑standard features. I am unsure whether the screw plate is original to this piece, as I have not encountered another example with this type. It is very possible that these badges were issued in numerous types and varieties throughout the 1920s and 1930s. This example shows all the right signs of period wear and appears to be an uncommon variant.
I hope I have provided enough information for you to make your own assessment regarding the authenticity and rarity of this item. If there is anything else I am able to provide to aid in your assessment please let me know. An ultraviolet image is included to demonstrate the absence of cheap modern repairs to the enamel.
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