In silver-plated and gilded brass and enamels; 49.6 x 29.8 mm; weighs 17.9 g. Extremely well-made and complex badge of three-piece construction. The red star is a separate part attached with wires; superimposed on the star is a beautifully sculptured Soviet fire department insignia of torch, ax and wrench. The state emblem at the top is of 1937 type, with 11 ribbons representing the number of republics in the Soviet Union. The red scroll at the bottom shows Cyrillic letters НКВД ("NKVD"). Note the typically low serial number engraved in characteristically

In silver-plated and gilded brass and enamels; 49.6 x 29.8 mm; weighs 17.9 g. Extremely well-made and complex badge of three-piece construction. The red star is a separate part attached with wires; superimposed on the star is a beautifully sculptured Soviet fire department insignia of torch, ax and wrench. The state emblem at the top is of 1937 type, with 11 ribbons representing the number of republics in the Soviet Union. The red scroll at the bottom shows Cyrillic letters НКВД ("NKVD"). Note the typically low serial number engraved in characteristically "square" font. This particular version of the wartime NKVD Firefighter badge in brass was made by the factory of the TsS VVOO (Central Council of the Military Hunters Society) and has a known serial number range from 1771-3545.

In excellent condition, extraordinary for an award of WW2 era. The red enamel on the star, banner, and the scroll with "NKVD" is essentially flawless and shows magnificent luster throughout; the enamel has no wear visible to the naked eye and only a few microscopic contact marks that are not very easy to find even with a 10x loupe.

The raised details are perfect and crisp (note that the top point of the star at the top of the state emblem is missing, but this is clearly a manufacturing flaw, not a result of damage or wear.) A great amount of the original silver finish is present on the wreath, cogwheel, and recessed parts of the state emblem, whereas the silver finish on the reverse of the badge is literally pristine. Traces of the original gilt finish are visible in recesses of the firefighters' emblem, especially the wrench.

One of the wires attaching the star to the oval base at the horizontal points (the right one when viewed from the reverse) is missing - clearly a result of a poorly chosen position for the wire at the edge of the cogwheel when the badge was assembled at the factory. The wire at the other horizontal point (on the left) is still present, and although its extension is broken, it provides enough support so the star is not allowed much lateral movement. The other two wires, those at the vertical points just below the screw post and near the bottom of the badge, are completely intact and tight. Overall, the parts of the badge are soundly attached and it is not in any danger of falling apart. The screw post is full length, approx. 11 mm. Included is the original screw plate maker-marked ЦС ВВОО ("TsS-VVOO") which fits the screw perfectly, not loose as is often the case.

Overall, a superb and very impressive example of the highest Soviet WW2 award to firefighters.

/ Soviet Badges, Volume 2: Law Enforcement Agencies , I. Sysolyatin, fig. 2.245; History of Awards and Insignia of Russian MVD, 1802 -2002 , M. Rogov, fig. 1.2.2.9; Avers 8, fig. 1988.c/
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