Description
Distinguished NKVD Employee Badge #000257
First variation in solid silver (1940-1941)
Made of silver, gilt, and enamels. Measures 41.04 mm in height, 26.26 mm in width, and weighs 15.5 grams without its screwplate. The serial number ‘000257’ is located on the reverse, beneath the screwpost. This number indicates the badge was awarded in 1940 or early 1941. Rare sub-variation with a stamped mint mark—fewer than a handful are known to exist. Another example can be seen in the picture gallery.
In decent, above-average condition considering it’s the earliest variation. Details remain sharp and well-defined, with few dings and scratches on both sides and a pleasing patina on the silver. A fair amount of gold plating is still visible, and the original rivets are firmly in place. All enamels are original and unrestored; those on the raised ribbon are completely intact. The enamels on the base part, beneath the hammer and sickle, show some damage, but about 60–70% remain intact. The badge comes with its original, well-fitted ‘Монетный Двор’ (Monetny Dvor) screwplate, and the screw remains unshortened.
Extremely rare to find and very desirable!
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).
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