Brass gilt, enamels; 25.2 mm wide. Riveted two-piece construction. A very well-made badge.

In excellent condition. The enamel is essentially perfect having only a few microscopic contact marks and flakes that are completely invisible to the naked eye. Details of the medallion are perfect and crisp; a very good amount of the original fire gilt finish is present on the medallion and wreath as well as the reverse of the badge.

Sovnarkhoz is Russian acronym for Council of Peoples Industry, a new entity which appeared in 1957 as part of Khruschev's attempt to break-up powerful bureaucracy and decentralize the economy. The Sovnarkhozes of various republics replaced the ministries many of which were completely abolished or transformed to local control. Like many other reforms aimed at "liberalizing" socialist system the effort failed, and the Sovnarkhoz system was dismantled in 1965, soon after Khruschev's ouster from power.

/"Aves 8", p. 190, fig. 939/