Brass, enamels; measures 26.2 mm tall x 25.1 mm wide. Two-piece construction; the center medallion showing a bas-relief portrait of Kirov's is a separate superimposed part. The base shows his signature and dates "1886-1934". This variation of the badge features black enamel as opposed to the blue enamel on the more common version.

In excellent condition. The enamel is extremely well-preserved, exhibiting a beautiful luster and having only a few microscopic contact marks that are invisible to the naked eye; there are no chips, flaking, or rubbing to enamel, which is very uncommon for this badge. The bas-relief shows only a minimal wear to the high points; most of its details are nicely defined and some of the original silver plating is still present on the background. The silver finish on the reverse is intact in the center where it was protected by the screw plate, while the rest of the reverse has a very attractive toning to the brass. The screw post measures over 9.5 mm in length, has not been reduced; albeit slightly bent, it remains fully functional and sound. The badge includes a very scarce original screw plate maker-marked "IZO Cooperative, Leningrad" and dated 1939.

Kirov was one of Lenin's closest allies during the revolution. His popularity (he was called "the favorite of the Communist Party") led to his Stalin- authorized assassination in 1934. Kirov's death was blamed on counter-revolutionary conspiracy and served as a starting point of the bloodiest wave of purges in Soviet history.

/Avers 8, p. 27, fig. 180.b/

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