SOVIET RUSSIAN BADGE, MEMBER OF SUPREME SOVIET OF THE USSR, EXC 100% ORIGINAL

Description

This auction is for a BADGE of a MEMBER DEPUTY of the SUPREME SOVIET of THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS. It is made of GOLD-PLATED SILVER and HOT-BAKED ENAMEL. It was made at the famous MOSCOW MINT, an organization similar to our own US Mint. These badges came with pin-back (one of which I am offering in another auction, here on eBay) and screwpost attachments, this particular piece being of the screwpost type. These badges were awarded to each person elected to sit in the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, that country's legislative body, somewhat like the US Congress, and they were, at the same time, awarded with an identification book (WHICH IS NEITHER INCLUDED IN THE AUCTION NOR AVAILABLE!) carrying the unique serial number of each badge, along with the bearer's photograph, name and associated official signatures and ink stamps. The particular serial number of THIS badge, as can be seen in the photos, is  XI-25, which is deeply hand-engraved into the reverse of the badge. The only other marking are the Cyrillic initials for MMD (Moskovskiy Monetniy Dvor), where it was produced.
The badge is modeled on the flag of the USSR, with a hammer and sickle emblem in the upper left corner, with sunrays radiating from that corner downward and to the right. Molded into the badge itself are the Russian words for SUPREME SOVIET USSR, in Cyrillic, of course. These word are raised to a higher level than the sunrays, hammer and sickle so that, when the face of the badge is filled with red enamel, and then baked on, the letters are at the surface, while the other features are sunken beneath the enamel, giving those areas a somewhat submerged and shimmering effect. This badge is in exceptional, near EXCELLENT condition, with NO cracks, chips, flaking or damage of any kind to the face or rear, NOR have any repairs been done or enamel replaced. The gold-plating is showing some slight thinning, as is consistent with use, age and wear, but is still quite evident, and the entire badge exhibits a nice age patina, somewhat darkening on the reverse. I selected this beautiful badge (as well as two others, myself, in 1993 (LONG BEFORE FAKES or REPRODUCTION WERE EVEN DREAMT OF), while on a trip to Moscow., and it has been in my possession ever since, displayed on a general's parade uniform I'll be offering at a later date. It was purchased at the Museum of the Revolution, a Moscow landmark which I have visited many times since.
PLEASE, study the photos carefully, as they are of the EXACT badge I am offering here. AND ASK ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING!
SHIPPING is to be via USPS First Class Mail, WITH insurance.
And, please note: NO INTERNATIONAL BIDS on this item. Shipping is to be to addresses WITHIN THE USA ONLY!