Brass, enamels; measures 22.3 mm tall, 27.4 mm wide. Pin back version featuring Moscow mint mark "MMD" located in the lower left segment of the reverse to the left below the pin.

In outstanding, excellent condition. The enamel is essentially perfect having only some microscopic contact marks that are completely invisible to the naked eye. It shows beautiful luster. The gilt on the hydroelectric dam and on the reverse of the badge is beautifully preserved and bright. The pin attachment is intact and fully functional. Really a perfect piece through and through!

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 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 coin in our photo is for size reference.