Army Proficiency badge (for enlisted men), 3rd class, circa late-1970s - 1980s.

In brass and enamels; 43.0 x 31.1 mm. This badges is of screw back construction and beautiful quality, on par with those made in the 50s and far superior to the vast majority of Soviet army qualification badges from the period. The reverse shows late style circular logo of the Moscow Mint.

In outstanding, excellent condition. The enamel and gilt finish are pristine and perfect. The screw post is slightly over 8 mm long, possibly reduced by a couple of mm for convenience. Comes with unmarked screw plate in brass which is of the period and fits the screw perfectly.

This uncommon badge is a bit of an enigma: it was clearly far more expensive to manufacture than a typical Soviet badge of the period, even an award badge - let alone a qualification badge for a "lowly" army NCO or enlisted man. The most likely explanation seems to be that it was intended for one of the "showcase" units such as elite troops stationed in one of the capital cities or those deployed in Eastern Europe.


$24.00