WW2 Soviet Russian Expert Mortar store Man badge 1940s Red Army Patriotic War “Proficiency Series” Excellent Soldier Award Medal in A+ CONDITION!
WW2 Soviet Badge “Excellent Mortar Man”.
GUARANTEED ORIGINAL Soviet badge of 1940s period, NOT a recent replica!
Made in brass and enamels, measures approx. 45.7 x 37.9 mm. This is one of the badges of the so-called “WW2 Proficiency” Series. The Excellent Mortar Man badge was one of the first few badges in the series with came up in 1942. Several other awards were added in the following years.
These badges were essentially combat medals for Enlisted Men and NCOs: they were usually bestowed for exemplary performance in combat, not just for military skills. Therefore the commonly used term “proficiency” or “expert” badge is really misleading – this award is much more than just a qualification badge. Although some of these were produced after the war and even well into the 50s, this particular specimen has characteristic features of mid 1940s manufacture. In particular, note the high domed profile of the center medallion, less sharply defined scrolls at the top as compared with post-war store issues, and the heavier, less refined wreath.
Mortar man's badges could be awarded to any enlisted or NCO member of a mortar crew. They could also be issued to a crewman of the famous Katyusha multiple rocket launcher (or “Stalin's Organ” as they were called by the Germans) because by the official Soviet designation the Katyushas were called “Guards Mortars”.
This badge is in SUPERB CONDITION for a WW2 Soviet soldier's award. The enamel is ORIGINAL (unlike quite a few badges of this series that we've seen on the market recently), and beautifully preserved. It shows very nice luster and have none of the usual repairs, chips or flakes. There are only some contact marks and tiny scratches, none of them easily noticeable without a magnifying glass. There are also some minor manufacturing flaws in the enamel that are very typical of the badges produced during WW2.
The wreath and mortar show practically no wear; their details are perfect. The gilt finish on the mortar and wreath is extremely bright, almost pristine. The fragile grey finish on the edge of the shield and on the scrolls is completely intact. The silver finish on the reverse of the badge is pristine. The screw post is original, of full or near full length (almost 12.5 mm long) and fully functional. Note that there is a “blob” of solder at its base – this is typical of WW2 production, and the solder is original, not a result of repair. The screw plate maker-marked “Scherbinskiy Stamping Factory” is of the period and may be original to the badge. It fits the screw perfectly.
This WW2 Soviet badge can be a GREAT addition to any collection of combat awards. Mortar man's badges are hard to find in such a premium condition!