Brass, enamels; 45.7 x 35.8 mm. This early version of the badge is identified as Pobeda Factory production in both the Khlamkin's and Airapetyan's catalogs, although some other collectors attribute it to the ZhRPT Factory. The top ornament consists of five scrolls with vertical grooves and has a wavy upper edge. The letter Л ("L") in the word "Otlichnyi" does not have a small horizontal extension at the bottom seen in another version of the badge. There is a fish scales-like pattern under the red enamel in the center. This Pontoon Bridge Builder badge is among the early ones, probably made and issued during the war.

In excellent condition, extremely uncommon for any Soviet combat proficiency badge of WW2 period and nearly unheard of for the scarce Pontoon Bridge Builder. The enamel is essentially perfect throughout and exhibits a beautiful luster. There are only a few microscopic contact marks that are invisible without magnification, no wear noticeable to the naked eye.

Details of the wreath and pontoon branch emblem are likewise perfect and crisp; a good amount of the original gilt finish on the wreath is still clearly visible. The fragile grey finish along the edge of the shield is completely intact. The silver finish on the reverse is pristine. The screw post is full length, approx. 14 mm. The badge comes with an early Pobeda Factory screw plate that is of the period, fits the screw perfectly, and believed to be original to the badge. To summarize, this is a superb example of one of the rarest of all WW2 Soviet proficiency badges - practically impossible to upgrade.

/B. Airapetyan, Breast Badges of the Red Army, 1941-1945, p. 115, fig. 2/