Early version in solid brass and high-quality "hot baked" enamels. Measures 60.6 mm in width. The numerals 19 and 20 on either side of the pendant signify the number of years of extended service (this is the largest number for such a pendant we have seen. The recipient must have started military service no later than in the early 40s and was almost for sure a WW2 veteran).

Excellent condition. The enamel is perfect, free of visible wear and showing a nice luster. The gray finish on the wings is intact.

The badge was introduced in 1957 along with similar badges for the Navy and Air Force. It was issued to career NCOs who chose to remain to active duty after completing their conscription stint. The early version of the badge is of far better quality than the more common later version in aluminum.

/Borisov, Breast Badges of the Soviet Armed Forces, fig. 377/