In white metal, copper and enamels; measures 47.6 x 38.6 mm; weighs 14.1 g not including the screw plate. Two-layer construction: the white metal top portion is superimposed on the copper backing. There is white enamel on the background, while the banner, scroll with the dates "1917-1918", and the star at the top are covered with crimson enamel of characteristically light shade.

In very fine condition, far above the average for this award. The red enamel in particular is unusually well-preserved: there is an extensive craquelure - an almost required attribute of the original enamel of its type - and a couple of small chips on the banner, but the red enamel is mostly intact overall and appears to be sound. The white enamel on the background is perfect. The raised artwork shows only very mild wear to the high points; its details are still relatively well defined - far better than on most other similar badges we've encountered over the years.

On the reverse, the copper has acquired an attractive patina. The parts of the badge are joined tightly/ The screw post measuring over 10.5 mm in length from the surface of the reverse appears to be original, while the hexagon retaining nut is probably an old replacement. The screw plate maker-marked "Gravyuchas Workshop, Kiev" is of the period, fits perfectly, and is at least correct for this badge if not original to it.

The badge is one of the relatively small numbers - some sources estimate 35,000 as the approximate number of issues - awarded in 1932 in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the "Great October Socialist Revolution'' (a relatively bloodless coup-d'etat executed in November 1917 by the Russian radical left, including Bolsheviks and some renegade Socialist Revolutionaries, against the democratically-minded but dysfunctional Provisional Government). The badges were bestowed by the decision of the committees of the former Red Guards and Red Partisans; they were apparently issued very selectively to the most distinguished participants of the revolution and guerrillas of the early part of the Russian Civil War. There are many known versions of this award, most of them produced by various makers in Ukraine including the Gravyuchas (Гравючас) Workshop in Kiev.

/Avers 8, Page 444, Fg. 2093.b/

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