Gilded brass, enamels; measures 37.3 mm in height, 28.2 mm in width; weighs 10.6 g without the screw plate. Relatively late version featuring flat reverse without counter-relief and a serial number engraved in characteristic angular font.

In excellent condition, outstanding for any Soviet military badge of early WW2 vintage. The red enamel on both the star and scroll is exceptionally well-preserved and shows magnificent luster. The white enamel has a single minuscule hairline and a few tiny contact marks, all of it practically unnoticeable to the naked eye, otherwise perfect.

The artwork is extremely well-preserved and crisp showing practically none of the usual wear to the raised points; the details are essentially perfect and extremely crisp. A good amount of the original gilt finish is clearly visible in recessed areas of the obverse and around the screw post on the reverse. The toning to the brass is beautifully even throughout, free of blemishes or oxidation spots. The screw post is of full length, nearly 10 mm. The mint-marked screw plate in nickel-plated steel is roughly of the period, of the type correct for the badge, and fits the screw perfectly, although it may be not original to this particular badge.

/See Avers 8, p. 426, fig. 2016; also Borisov, Badges of the Soviet Armed Forces, fig. 61/