Brass, enamels; measures 44.9 x 36.1 mm; weighs 19.6 g without the screw plate. Like the other wartime versions, this Guard's badge lacks the fringe at the bottom of the banner: the upper and lower edges of the banner are completely smooth. A so-called "Classic Oval" according to Airapetyan's classification, this version of the badge is one of several produced by the NKPS (Narkomat of Railroads) factory. It features a pattern of horizontal dashes positioned in checkerboard fashion on the metal surface underneath. The wreath is in a characteristically high 3-d profile. This version of th

Brass, enamels; measures 44.9 x 36.1 mm; weighs 19.6 g without the screw plate. Like the other wartime versions, this Guard's badge lacks the fringe at the bottom of the banner: the upper and lower edges of the banner are completely smooth. A so-called "Classic Oval" according to Airapetyan's classification, this version of the badge is one of several produced by the NKPS (Narkomat of Railroads) factory. It features a pattern of horizontal dashes positioned in checkerboard fashion on the metal surface underneath. The wreath is in a characteristically high 3-d profile. This version of the badge is believed to be among the earliest produced.

In excellent condition, outstanding for a Guard's badge of the WW2 era. The red enamel on the banner appears practically perfect to the unaided eye and exhibits a beautiful luster. A very careful examination with a 10x loupe reveals a tiny surface flake at the upper edge of the banner at approx. 10 o'clock, but it is almost completely unnoticeable without magnification. Besides that, the red enamel has only a minuscule amount of rubbing at the apex of the star and some tiny contact marks, but is free of significant wear. The white enamel is essentially perfect.

The wreath has only a negligible amount of wear to the high points; its details are nicely preserved, and some of its original gilt finish is still clearly visible in recessed areas. The screw post is full length, approx. 11 mm, and comes with an original WW2 era screw plate in brass-plated steel with NKPS ShMZ logo (which stands for "Mechanical Stamping Factory, Narkomat of Roads of Transportation".) It is interesting to see that the screw plate has been customized by adding a hexagon nut to its back side - probably something done by the original owner of the badge to mitigate the wear to the threads.

/B. Airapetyan, Breast Badges of the Red Army, 1941-1945, p. 46, fig.1.2/.
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