Gilded brass, enamels; 37.1 x 20.7mm. Two-piece construction: the state emblem is a separate part, superimposed part. Nice quality, showing nice ripple effect under the enamel, similar to badges of Supreme Soviet members and delegates of Communist Party congresses. The reverse shows late style, raised mint mark of the Leningrad Mint.

Excellent condition. The enamel and gold plating are essentially perfect. The pin attachment is fully functional.

This badge is representative of the crème de la crème of the Soviet elite. The Highest Diplomatic School (re-named Diplomatic Corps Academy in 1974) had only a few coveted spots, usually reserved for the offspring of top party functionaries. Some of the graduates were KGB and GRU agents, hand-picked for espionage assignments in the western countries.

/Avers 8, p. 567, fig. 2848/.