Lenin Mourning Badge, late 1920s issue.

In silver and enamels; measures 33.6 mm in width, 32.1 mm in height at the flagpole; the height of the banner is 19.6 mm. Riveted two-piece construction. On the Lenin's lapel are initials ДИ ("DI") of the artist who created the original artwork. On the obverse, on the flagpole immediately below the portrait is a stamped "875" silver hallmark of post-1926 type, with the worker's head and character Alpha designating Leningrad (formerly Petrograd) assay inspection. There is an additional circular assayer's mark near the lower tip of the flagpole. A matching "worker's head" hallmark also appears on the attachment pin, only partly visible but clearly recognizable.

In excellent condition. There are a few tiny contact marks to enamel that barely noticeable to the unaided eye, no flakes, chips or significant scratches. The enamel fully retains its beautiful original luster. The details of the Lenin's bust are practically untouched. Nice, even patina to silver on both sides of the badge. There are a few scrapes on the reverse, probably from testing for silver content. The rivets are tight; the pin attachment is intact and fully functional.

This is a very uncommon and interesting piece: badges of the "mourning" series came up immediately after Lenin's death in 1924. Most of them were made during that or the following year; the ones made in silver typically have the Tsarist era hallmarks with "Kokoshnik" that remained in use until 1926. It is very unusual to find one of these badges made after 1926 and bearing the new Soviet-style hallmarks.

/"Avers 8", p. 20, fig. 93.a/.

Item# 34794

$450.00