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/.

Item# 22282

$140.00