Green Russian cap badge

[AIF]

Can anybody tell me what this badge would be for?
I apologise if this is a stupid question but I know absolutely nothing about Russian WW2 insignia and I thought cap badges were supposed to be red?

Thanks in advance

Cheers Luke.

[douglas2496]

It looks like a standard cap badge of the 1940's, its not unusual to see green as well as red ones. Heres one on a cap on Espenlaub's site for example WW2 item

[AIF]

Thanks mate! I did try a google search before I posted this but nothing came up...

Thanks again for your help

Cheers Luke.

[RichieC]

Hello Luke,

Green or "Khaki" (the latter being color terminology as used by the Russians in the order) was introduced in 1941. Besides star-cockardes; buttons, rank pips, and branch insignia were included.

I do not believe that they were initially used as widely as the "red stuff", but they do appear today from time to time - the branch insignia being the most uncommon.

The prong-less/sewn-on star shown by Douglas (and below by myself) is very simplified - It is the first time I have seen one affixed to an actual cap - whether it be in person, or in period images.

Regards,
Richie

[RichieC]

Here are two more examples - the first 31MM, the second 22MM.

Note the manufacturing defect (the placement of the prongs) on the latter...

[RichieC]

Here I show a salty one, made from tin - 22MM:

[RichieC]

This one is an oddball - heavy brass similar to early/mid 1930s make - 38MM.

Perhaps it is missing/removed enamel and painted green. Old paint no doubt.

One of my favourites...

[RichieC]

This one is also somewhat of an oddball. It seems to be a 1942 red painted type, but with khaki overpaint, made from steel - 32MM...

[AIF]

Thanks for the extra info Richie! I really like those poor quality stars... I guess the Russians had bigger things to worry about than making good cap badges when those were made.