Silver-plated and gilded brass, enamels; measures 29.7 mm tall, 23.8 mm wide; weighs 6.7 g not including the screw plate. Single-piece construction. Despite the small size of this badge, it has finely executed artwork, while its enamel quality is on par with the larger versions.

In outstanding, excellent condition. The enamel is practically pristine and shows beautiful luster throughout; there are but a few microscopic contact marks completely invisible to the naked eye. The silver finish is extremely well preserved, showing only a minute amount of wear to the raised points of the car. The original gilt finish is still visible in recessed areas of the wreath.

The screw post is full-length, approx. 11 mm long, and includes a mint-marked screw plate which is of the period and may be original to the badge.

From 1935 through 1953, all major road building in the USSR was under direct control of NKVD / MVD which supplied ample slave labor for the construction projects. The NKVD and its Gushosdor Agency instituted and awarded the Honored Road Builder badges to best engineers, managers and even some of the "rehabilitated" prisoners. The miniature badges were reportedly awarded only to VIPs, although there is no consensus opinion about their purpose. They are undoubtedly far more scarce than their full-sized counterparts.

/See Sysolyatin, Soviet Badges, Volume 2: Law Enforcement Agencies , p. 315, fig. 2.399; Avers 8, p. 139, fig. 710.e/.

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