VVSh Military Scuba Diving School, graduate badge, circa
1960s-70s.
In nickel plated brass and enamels; 49.6 x 24.9 mm. Three-
piece construction: the diving helmet and plaque are
separate, superimposed parts.
In very fine to excellent condition. The enamel is extremely
well preserved, shows only a tiny flake near the edge at
approx. 4 o'clock (the edge itself also shows a small nick
at the same spot). Perfect otherwise, with crisp details of
the helmet. Comes with period screw plate which is probably
original to the badge.
The "ВВШ" (VVSh) abbreviation apparently stands for Voronezh
Scuba Diving School - this school reportedly had changed
several locations before finally settling in the city of
Voronezh where it still operates now. The badge is an early
issue, one of the examples of the "unofficial" graduation
badges usually commissioned by a group of alumni, usually
upon approval by the school commander.
/See similar badge shown in "Avers 8", p. 489, fig.
2347/.
$140.00 