Description: Soviet Award Badge “Excellent Artilleryman”.This is GUARANTEED ORIGINAL Soviet badge of 1950s period, NOT a recent replica!Made in brass and enamels, measures 45.6 mm x 36.3 mm. This is one of the badges of the so-called "WW2 Proficiency" Series fist of which appeared in 1942. The Excellent Artillery Man badge was one of the first few badges in the series with came up in 1942. Several other awards were added in the following years. They were awarded until the late 50s.During the war, these badges were essentially combat medals for Enlisted Men and NCOs: they were usually bestowed for exemplary performance in combat, not just for military skills. Therefore, the commonly used term "proficiency" or "expert" badge is really misleading - this award is much more than just a qualification badge. The badges issued after the war were more often for excellent skills but also had a character of the award and could be bestowed more than once upon the same person. This particular specimen is a post-war issue as characterized by relatively flat medallion and sharply defined scrolls in the top ornament.This badge is in SUPERB CONDITION – very uncommon for an early Soviet soldier's award! The enamel retains beautiful luster and is almost perfect. There is only a tiny surface flake to the white band on its outer edge at about 1 o’clock position (above the first letter “T”) which is almost unnoticeable to the naked eye. Except for this and a few microscopic contact marks that are hard to find even under a 10x loupe, the enamel shows no other wear.The details of the wreath and cannon are pristine and exceptionally crisp. The fire gilt finish is still nice and bright on both sides of the badge, shows almost no tarnish. The grey finish and lacquer along the edge of the shield is likewise intact. The screw post is original, full length (well over 11.5 mm) and fully functional. The “Pobeda Factory” marked screw plate is of the period and correct for the badge.This badge is a very interesting military award of the Early Cold War / Korean War era. Originals are not easy to find in such a fantastic condition!FREE SHIPPING (USPS 1st cl. Mail) WITHIN USA ONLY! We WILL NOT ship our eBay items outside USA.
Price: 79.99 USD
Location: Tenafly, New Jersey
End Time: 2024-03-23T18:55:47.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Region of Origin: Russia
Country: Soviet Union
Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: Russian Federation
Theme: Militaria
Original/Reproduction: Original
Category: Collectibles
Subject: Military
Region or Culture: Russian
Original or Reproduction: Original
Type: Badge
