Description: Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Soviet Badge of Honored Railroad Employee, #30879, WW2 issue (circa 1944).This is a GUARANTEED 100% ORIGINAL Soviet award issued during WW2, not a post-war issue or a replica!The badge is an extremely well made and complex piece in bronze with top quality enamels. It is quite large, measuring 45.8 mm in height (about 1 ¾”) x 32.3 mm in width; weighs 17.9 without the screw plate and washer, 24.7 g overall. The badge is of two-piece construction: the hammer & sickle emblem is a separate superimposed part attached by wires. The serial number is stamped on the reverse.The badge is in SUPERB CONDITION, especially for a WW award! Unlike most other surviving examples, the enamel is PERFECT: it shows a beautiful luster and has none of the usual chips, flaking or rubbing; even under a 10x magnification, there is practically no visible wear of any kind. That includes the red enamel on the flag at the top, star and scroll near the bottom, the white enamel on the background is perfect, and the colored lenses of the semaphore signal. All the enamel on this piece is 100% ORIGINAL – there are no repairs.The steam engine locomotive is free of significant wear; its raised details are exceptionally well-preserved and crisp: note that even the raised inscription “I. STALIN” (the name of the series of Soviet locomotives) on the front is completely intact and fully legible. Much of the original silver finish on the reverse of the badge is still intact and exhibits attractive patina. The screw post is full length, approx. 13.5 mm long – has not been reduced as is often the case. The badge includes original WW2 screw plate in bronze-plated steel, maker-marked ШМ З-д НКПС (“ShM Z-d NKPS”) which stands for Mechanical Stamping Factory, People’s Commissariat of Roads of Transportation. Also included is the original washer in bronze and silver-plated steel. The Honored Employee badge was the highest award to Soviet railroad employees, equivalent to "Honored" titles in other fields. Judging by the very low serial number 30879, this particular piece is a mid-WW2 issue, probably awarded no later than in late 1943 or early 1944.The railroad transportation was extremely important in the Soviet Union due to the relatively underdeveloped automobile transportation system and also the notorious Russian weather that made automobile roads impassable for long periods every year. Thanks to the exceptionally well-functioning Russian railroads, the vital industries were successfully evacuated deep into the Soviet interior in the first months of the war, while the much-needed war supplies and reinforcements were carried to the front lines in ever increasing quantities. Having the initial control of the skies over Russia, the German Luftwaffe constantly targeted Soviet railway marshalling yards and even individual trains. It was however ultimately frustrated in its efforts to thwart the Soviet railroad traffic.The Honored Railroad Employee award was very hard to earn at any time during the Stalin era, let alone during the Patriotic War. Even prior to WW2, the Soviet railroad workers were under military-like discipline, always wore a uniform and were subject to harsh punishment for the slightest slacking (being 5-minute late for work would mean a Gulag prison camp sentence). To be awarded with an Honored Employee title and badge during the war required truly heroic exploits, often under enemy fire. This award was issued to only a few and it carried many privileges for life. Don’t miss the chance to add this beautifully preserved and historically significant WW2 piece to your militaria collection!FREE SHIPPING (USPS Ground Advantage Mail) WITHIN USA ONLY! We WILL NOT ship our eBay items outside USA.
Price: 289.99 USD
Location: Tenafly, New Jersey
End Time: 2024-12-07T21:01:25.000Z
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
Category: Collectibles
Original or Reproduction: Original
Product Type: Badge
Theme: Militaria
Modified Item: No
