Excellent Mine Layer badge, mid 1940s.
Brass, enamels. The first, elongated version of the badge measuring 48.7 mm x 37.8 mm. Features scallop-shaped top ornament, with 7 small scrolls.
In outstanding, excellent condition - extremely uncommon for any Soviet "Combat Proficiency" badge of WW2 era. The enamel has only tiny contact marks mostly unnoticeable to the naked eye, completely free of the usual chips, flaking, rubbing or significant wear of any kind. Both the red and white enamel show magnificent luster. Details of the wreath are essentially perfect, very crisp. The original finish on the wreath and silver finish on the mine are exceptionally well-preserved, while the finish on the reverse shows practically no wear. The screw post is full length, well over 13 mm. Includes original WW2 era screw plate marked "ShMZ NKPS".
This is a superb example through and through - practically impossible to upgrade condition-wise.
/See "Breast Badges of the Red Army, 1941-1945", p. 98, fig. 1/
$125.00 