Description

Distinguished NKVD Employee Badge #000478

First variation in solid silver

Made of silver, gilt and enamels. It measures 41.77 mm in height, 26.15 mm in width and weighs 16.8 grams without its screwplate. Its hand engraved serial number ‘000478’ and mintmark M.D. can be found on its reverse underneath its screwpost. The serial number indicates this badge was awarded in 1940-1941. During these years only a few hundred of these were bestowed with far less of them still being around.

In worn but decent condition considering it is the earliest variation. Its details are still perfectly visible and the edges of the sword are still crisp. A fair amount of gold plating is still present although some is covered with a dark layer of patina. All parts are original and firmly attached to the base. The badge shows substantial enamel damage but approx. half of it is still present and without repairs. The badge comes with its original and well fitted screwplate and its screw has not been shortened.

Not in the best condition but extremely rare to find and full of character!

On October 31st, 1940, by Resolution No. 2197, the Council of People’s Commissars of the USSR approved the provision and a sample of the sign “Honored Worker of the NKVD”. The regulations on the sign were announced by the order of the NKVD No. 1007 of November 6th, 1940. The sign was established for awarding the personnel of the bodies and troops of the NKVD of the USSR “for merits in the leadership or direct performance of work to protect the state security of the USSR.” The regulation on the sign “Honored Worker of the NKVD”also applied to those awarded earlier with the jubilee signs “Honorary Worker of the Cheka-GPU” of the V and XV anniversaries (the signs themselves remained with the awardees and were not replaced by a new sign).