This is an original USSR military 1st level "Ready for Labor and Defense badge. It is not a recent issue or a replica. It is made of gilded brass and covered in thick enamel. СССР (Союз Советских Социалистических Республик) is a Russian abbreviation for the Soviet Union or Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).
The “Ready for Labor and Defense” badge is the first step of the 1946 model made in the form of a gear wheel which passes down into two laurel branches. In the center there is a relief five-pointed star of red enamel and a runner, tearing the finishing ribbon with an inscription written in Russian but translates to “Ready for work and defense”. The recipient had to pass rigorous physical fitness tests that consisted of a set of 8 standards for physical training of the population in the USSR to become eligible for this award. This is a relatively early model. In 1961 it was replaced by a large version that didn’t look as impressive.
This particular design was issued and awarded between 1950s to 1961. In 1961 this design stayed the same, but the size was increased. It measures 5/8ths by 7/8ths inch. If it were perfectly round, it'd be about the size of a nickel or quarter coin.
It has a screw post with the makers marks. The screw fits perfectly on the post.
Buyer to pay USPS Insured First Class Mail parcel delivery charges of $5.50. Shipping is from Nevada.
SPECIAL NOTE about SHIPPING CHARGES: Twice yearly and again in November for the holiday season (so 3 times each year) the postal service increases shipping charges. This is what they call their “Delivering for America” plan in which they hope to become profitable. It’s a 10 year plan that started in 2021, so we’ve got years to go with multiple price increases each year. I try to absorb some of the new charges and haven't increased my shipping charges in three years. This year, unfortunately, I have to increase the shipping. I'll try to keep it reasonable and even absorb some of the changes when possible.
I do combine shipping on multiple items purchased as long as all items can fit safely into a single box or envelope. However, my web host is not set up to calculate multiple item shipping costs. At checkout, you will be charged full shipping price on each item purchased and I will refund the appropriate amount of overpayment. If you are uncomfortable with that, you can send me an email with your zip code and stating which items you'll be purchasing and I'll calculate the correct combined shipping charges and send you a custom invoice.
INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES: Sorry, I do not ship to locations outside of the United States.
All items in my listings come from either estate or garage sales. I do not know if they came from homes where smoking or pets were present. All items are sold in the same condition as when I received them.
