In silver and enamels; measures 42.3 mm tall, 31.9 mm wide; weighs 19.5 g without the screw plate. Features 3-piece construction; the red star and wreath with red scrolls are separate superimposed parts attached by wires to the oval base. The serial number 10009 is engraved near the top on the reverse in characteristic angular (so-called "geometric") font. Near the bottom of the reverse is a hallmark МТХ ("MTKh", Moscow Artists Cooperative). There are also two silver hallmarks to the lower right, the "916" purity hallmark with a worker's head and a Greek chara

In silver and enamels; measures 42.3 mm tall, 31.9 mm wide; weighs 19.5 g without the screw plate. Features 3-piece construction; the red star and wreath with red scrolls are separate superimposed parts attached by wires to the oval base. The serial number 10009 is engraved near the top on the reverse in characteristic angular (so-called "geometric") font. Near the bottom of the reverse is a hallmark МТХ ("MTKh", Moscow Artists Cooperative). There are also two silver hallmarks to the lower right, the "916" purity hallmark with a worker's head and a Greek character Delta of the Moscow assay inspection, and a matching small round assayer's hallmark.

The quality of the badge is very high, as typical for the pre-war pieces in silver. The details of the bridge, car and wreath are nicely sculptured. The enamel is spectacular, especially the deep blue representing a flowing river.

In fine to very fine condition. The badge appears perfect at first glance, although a careful examination reveals that the red enamel on the star and scrolls has been expertly repaired. The replacement is not immediately noticeable even under the UV "black" light and matches the translucency and color of the original enamel almost perfectly. The azure and dark blue enamel in the center is essentially perfect, retaining a beautiful luster and having only some microscopic contact marks, no significant wear. The raised details of the artwork and lettering are exceptionally crisp, nearly pristine; a good amount of the original gilt finish on the wreath is still present. There is a very attractive dark patina to silver throughout. The original attachment wires are intact and tight.

The screw post is of full length, approx. 12 mm. The mint-marked screw plate is of the period and although it is not original to the badge, fits the screw perfectly. The badge comes with original silver washer measuring approx. 25 mm in diameter and hallmarked ВКХ ("VKKh", which stands for Vsekokhudozhnik, the early name of the MTKh Factory.)

From 1935 through 1953, all major road building in the USSR was under the direct control of NKVD (MVD) which provided slave labor for the construction projects. The NKVD and its Gushosdor Agency awarded the Honored Road Builder badges to best engineers, managers, and reportedly, even some of the "rehabilitated" prisoners. The badges in silver were produced prior to the Patriotic War and their existing stock continued to be issued mostly in the first couple of years of the war, whereas the more common and lesser quality issues in silver- plated bronze started to appear in as early as 1940.

/See History of Awards and Insignia of Russian MVD, 1802 - 2002 p. 108, fig. 1.2.3.34; Sysolyatin, Soviet Badges, Volume 2: Law Enforcement Agencies , p. 315, fig. 2.398; Avers 8, p. 139, fig. 710.b/.
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