Info Requested on Soviet and Russian Parachute Badges.
 

I have a number of pre 1990 Soviet and post 1990 Russian parachute badges I would appreciate some help in identifying/getting more info on if anyone could assist. They all came out of markets in and around the St Petersburg and Moscow areas in the late 80’s/early 90’s.

The first badge is a Soviet 1955 Type Para Instructor badge which is unusual it that it has a ‘rounded’ parachute canopy as opposed to the traditional Instructors’ badge with a straight edged canopy – which are described by Bragg and Turner Book II as being DOSAAF badges. All other references I can find show ALL instructors’ badges to have the straight edged canopy in the same style as Badge 2.

Badge 2 is a Soviet 1968 Type early version Para Instructor badge with the traditional straight edged canopy. However it is unusual it that it only has the word “инструктор” (Instructor) in the canopy rather than the normal “инструктор парашютист” (Instructor Parachutist).
Badges 3 and 4 I believe are unofficial para badges that appeared circa 1992 for various Russian republics/regions. I have been unable to positively identify them.

Badges 5 and 6 are I believe, given the absence of the hammer and sickle from the red stars, post 1990 badges but the use of the word “Master” on Russian badges is a bit of a mystery. They are of similar construction to Soviet 1966 Type Instructor badges but in thinner aluminium.

Badge 7 again is post 1990. Although the emblem on the centre of the parachute is similar to that used by the 106th A/B Guards Division it is not in the divisional colours.

Any info or pointers would be much appreciated.

Out of interest were these type of badges available late 80's early 90's i recall a friend (police officer) on an exchange, still being pulled over and followed at that time for trying to purchase a Military Fur hat! Regards Mark

Thanks for the link - unfortunately I had already checked this site out without any success but it did provide some interesting info on makers markings.

They were available if you went to the "right places" but as you say there could be issues with the authorities even towards the mid to late 90's - although by then the growing tourist trade had opened the markets up more.

Hello Harry,

Sounds like you've already checked the Bragg & Turner books for the USSR badges. Badges 3, 4 and 7 are post-Soviet unofficial badges created in 1992 for Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus, respectively, according to the booklet "Parachute Badges," authored by Islam Musa Czachorowski in 1999. The softcover booklet (ISBN 83-909934-3-0) has color plates showing para badges from Poland, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Macedonia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, followed by brief labels in Polish and English.

Hope that helps.

Stay well,
Donovan

Looks like I need to dig out my old Soviet pieces I got back around 1989 or 90. Is there much market for it?

Terry

Any tank/armoured badges? I quite like collecting Soviet armoured related badges and patches.

Mick

Many thanks for that Donovan - that's very helpful. I thought the Belarus wing was of a later official pattern given its styling.

Don't put yourself to too much bother Terry - the 1966 and 1968 Type badges along with the current style are only getting about £8 - £12. Not sure about the 1955 Type although the early 1936 Type badges in good nick appear to be making in the region of £100+.

Unfortunately not Mick - I have sold on most of my doubles etc and only have a few spare airborne and naval items left.

Hi,

Nice selection of badges there Harry!

Your first two are from 1960s-70s era for "Instructor Parachutist" and "Instructor".

Here are my badges and para related documents + half-military organisation DOSAAF parachute documents (all belonged to one man).

Actually I am thinking to sell the badges as a one lot (expect one badge, that belongs with the docs).

http://static4.nagi.ee/i/p/1021/22/2553064955031b_l.jpg

Few photos as well (owner of the docs):

http://static3.nagi.ee/i/p/591/18/14779713f45042_l.jpg

http://static3.nagi.ee/i/p/591/18/14779711303132_l.jpg

Hi

Sorry about the delay getting back – it’s the first time I’ve checked the forum in a couple of weeks.

That’s a nice collection you have yourself. Many thanks for sharing. It’s the first time I have seen similar para badges. All the references I have been able to access have failed to show ‘traditional canopy’ Instructor badges and only showed the DOSAAF types while all the DOSAAF Instructors’ badges had the inscription for ‘Instructor Parachutist’.

Mick, I think I have some. Let me find my box of Soviet badges and I'll get back to you.

Terry