Brass, enamels, lacquer. Measures 22.3 mm tall, 27.4 mm wide; weighs 6.3 g without the screw plate. Scarce variation having a screw attachment rather than pin back (interestingly, the reverse shows a rectangular depression which is a provision for the pin which was never attached by the manufacturer). Also features a Moscow mint mark "MMD" in horizontal rather than slanted line.

Excellent condition. The enamel has only a couple of microscopic contact marks that are completely invisible to the naked eye, otherwise perfect and showing beautiful luster. The raised details are pristine and crisp. The screw post is full length, nearly 10 mm long, and includes the original mint-marked screw plate. The badge continues the series of the earlier NKVD construction awards such as Moskva - Volga Canal, Dneproges, Ukhta, and others. It was awarded primarily to prison guards and managers who supervised the construction of the huge complex of hydroelectric dams on the Volga near Kuibyshev. Like most other large-scale projects of the period, it was built almost exclusively by prisoners. The construction started in 1937, then was put on hold in 1940 and resumed in 1950. Its final stage was done by the inmates of the Kuneevskiy Correctional Labor Camp.

/History of Awards and Insignia of Russian MVD, 1802 - 2002 , p. 110, fig. 1.2.3.43/

Please note, the penny in our photo is for size reference.