• Seller GTD

  

  Activist of the OSOAVIAKhIM badge, #3573, circa early 1930s. (Lot: 548)

  In silver and enamels. Measures 35.0 mm in height (from the bottom of the badge to the top point of the banner, not including the flagpole finial); 31.0 mm in width (near the bottom, along the swallow-tail scroll). Stamped serial number “3573” to the reverse. The reverse also shows sterling silver hallmark “916”, additional assay inspection hallmark and Cyrillic maker mark “KhEM”. Extremely nice quality, characteristic of the award badges of the early 30s.

  In very fine condition overall. The obverse is very fine to excellent, with nicely preserved showing attractive original luster. There are minor scratches and contact marks to enamel but they are not easily noticeable to the naked eye. There are no chips or flaking anywhere. The details are well preserved and crisp; the only visible flaw is a small dent on the rifle butt. The reverse is pristine and shows attractive patina. The silver screw post has been reduced for wearing convenience as was customary but its remaining length of over 4 mm is enough to accommodate a screw plate. The wing nut marked “Vsekokhudoznik, Moscow” is of the period although probably not original to the badge.

  $ 750 fee: 22.5%
• Seller GTD

  

  Activist of the OSOAVIAKhIM badge, #27763, mid to late 1930s. (Lot: 547)

  In bronze-plated and nickel-plated steel, enamels; 36.6 x 30.0 mm. Very uncommon version featuring hollow construction formed by a flat back plate with two vent holes. The serial number is stamped in the lower portion of the reverse.

  In very fine condition. The enamel is mostly intact, with only a few small contact marks and tiny flakes, practically unnoticeable; still has its original luster. The silver finish shows very light wear to high points but is mostly intact otherwise. The screw post might have been replaced at some point and the screw plate, although of the period, is probably not original to the badge.

  Auction Ended
  SOLD for $ 240
• Seller GTD

  

  Badge of a Red Army Air Force Pilot-Instructor, 1945-1949. (Lot: 546)

  Brass, enamels; measures 24.5 mm in height, 60.4 mm in width; the width of the enameled portion is 37.0 mm; weighs 11.7 g without the screw plate. Three-piece construction: the propeller and wings are separate parts attached to the enameled triangular base by wires.

  In excellent condition. The enamel is essentially perfect and shows a beautiful luster; there are only some microscopic contact marks that are completely unnoticeable to the naked eye. Unlike the sky-blue and white enamels in the center, the red enamel on the stars is the “cold” variety as it is supposed to be; it is of lighter shade of red than on most other badges of this type we have seen, but the color may vary and there are no obvious signs that it has been restored. The enamel in the center is unquestionably original. Traces of the original silver finish are clearly visible on the vertical edges of the propeller and wings, while the silver plating on the reverse is clearly visible throughout. The wire attachment is sound and relatively tight, allowing only a very minimal movement of the superimposed parts.

  The screw post is nearly 9 mm in length, has not been shortened, and includes original screw plate maker-marked Lenizo Enamel Factory.

  There is some debate among collectors about the exact time when this badge was introduced: according to many sources such as Avers 8, it was issued from 1943-45. We believe that it was instituted and manufactured immediately after the end of the Patriotic War and awarded for just a few years up until 1949. Judging by the inscription referring to the Red Army, it was designed and produced before mid-1946 (when the official designation changed to the Soviet Army). It is therefore not inconceivable that this badge could be worn at the end of WW2 by a pilot participating in the Soviet “blitz” campaign against Japan.

  These very scarce Soviet Air Force wings are not to miss out on!

  $ 1,350 fee: 22.5%
• Seller GTD

  

  Advanced Training School for Air Force Technical Personnel, graduation badge, #77, 1936-38. (Lot: 545)

  Brass, silver plating, enamel. Measures 35.6 mm in height, 53.6 mm in width; weighs 13.1 g without the screw plate. Massive riveted four- piece construction: the enameled red star, technical branch emblem of hammer and wrench, and aircraft engine are separate parts superimposed on the winged base. Engraved serial number to the reverse.

  Excellent condition. The enamel on the star is essentially perfect and shows a beautiful luster; it has only a couple of microscopic contact marks that are completely invisible to the naked eye and none of the usual chips, flaking, rubbing or repairs. The silver plating on the wings, aircraft motor and the reverse is well-preserved, having only a minor amount of wear to the high points and exhibiting a very attractive uniform patina. There is a small amount of verdigris on the obverse under the star, greatly exaggerated in our enlarged photos but not detractive in the least in real life. The original copper screw post is full-length, approx. 14 mm. The unmarked screw plate is a replacement but works perfectly with the screw.

  This piece is one of the first Soviet Air Force graduation badges, the type issued for only two years. In 1938, this series was replaced by a new series of badges, unnumbered, lighter-weight and of more streamlined design. The badges of the first series are rare. It is due in large part to the terrible attrition suffered by the Soviet Air Force cadres in the first weeks and months following the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941. It also must be mentioned that the number of graduates of Soviet military aviation schools increased dramatically just before WW2, which of course reflects on the rarity of the early AF school badges in comparison with the 1938 series.

  $ 1,750 fee: 22.5%

Sold at Blitz price