OGPU Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Badge, 3rd Class (Late 1920s-Early 1930s) For Sale

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OGPU Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Badge, 3rd Class (Late 1920s-Early 1930s):
$550.00

Thanks for looking!

OGPU Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Badge, 3rd Class, late 1920s - early 1930s

No. 58

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

The badge was awarded exclusively to the OGPU servicemen for getting 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 the recipients were probably officers. That would explain the rarity of the badge: in the mid- to late-30s, the mid- to high-level leadership of NKVD (formerly known as OGPU) was decimated by repeated purges, so relatively few of the badges and their recipients were still around at the beginning of WW2.

The crossed rifles are a separate superimposed part attached by copper wires to the diamond-shaped body.

The crossed rifles themselves have little to no wiggle as the folded over pins remain tight. Although, one pin is visibly bent making the crossing point of the rifles to be off center with the target. Please note that there is some decent damage to the blue enamel surrounding the diamond. Age spots can also be seen in the middle white enamel of the target as well as some remaining silvering on the front side. However, there is far more silvering visible of the reverse!

After much research there seems to be quite a variety of these types not included within Sysolyatin, Soviet Badges, Volume 2: Law Enforcement Agencies or ABEPC 1-6, 8. I was able to find a decent number of non stamped varieties which were made of brass/bronze with silver plating and enamels. Many of these types that had measurements present were incredibly close to this example up for sale.

One particular type of the non stamped variety that has the exact same through-pin locations, inscription location, silvering, and also what appears to be a gold colored “gilding” on the rifles (last photos). This gilding also appears to be present on this piece as well in the small areas that are difficult to wear off.

The last item to note is the orientation of the flag pole strings near the top being looped toward the center of the badge not just up and over the top of the flags like other early stamped examples. This also appears consistent with the listing that I have been using to draw parallels. I’ve also included a second example to take a look at (with some non standard parallels). I am unsure if the screw plate is original to this piece as I have not seen another example to include this type. I believe it is vary possible for these pieces to have been issued in a lot of types/varieties throughout the 20’s-30’s. This piece seems to show all the right signs of wear for a period piece and an uncommon example at that!

Hopefully I was able to provide enough information for you to be able to make up your own mind on the authenticity and rarity of this item.

Ultraviolet image included to show lack of modern repairs to the enamel.

*** Reach out to me with any and all questions you have. Please note this item will ship with tracking, be insured. It will also require a signature upon delivery (unless that proves an issue for you and you contact me prior to shipping). I will also ship via FedEx as I trust them much more than the USPS for more valuable items such as this.

*** All sales are final. Condition and authentication are “as seen”.

*** This item will ship very well packed!

OGPU Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Badge, 3rd Class (Late 1920s-Early 1930s)

$550.00