Brass, enamels. Measures 45.6 mm x 37.5 mm; weighs 13.7 g without the screw plate. This relatively early post-war Pobeda Factory version features five sharply defined scrolls in the top ornament. The inscription on the white band is in a characteristic angular or so-called "geometric" font. The center medallion is more convex than on the later versions. This version is relatively scarce and is rated 4 out of 5 for rarity in both the Airapetyan's and Khlamkin's catalogs.

In outstanding, excellent condition. The enamel shows a beautiful luster and is essentially perfect, having only a few microscopic contact marks that are completely invisible to the unaided eye. The gold finish is perfect and bright on both sides; the gray finish on the edge of the shield is likewise completely intact. The screw post is full length, approx. 10.5 mm. Comes with an original Pobeda Factory screw plate. A truly perfect example of the AAA proficiency badge from the height of the Cold War.

/B. Airapetyan, Breast Badges of the Red Army, 1941-1945, p. 117, fig. 3; A. Khlamkin, Red Army Breast Badges of Excellence (1942-1957), Type 4/.