Info Requested on Soviet and Russian Parachute Badges.

[Harry Katyn]

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.