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 