Excellent artillerist - early version ?

[Markus Bodeux]

Hello gentlemen,

i am new to this forum and happy that i have found this place where soviet awards and decorations are discussed.
I speak a little russian and still search for some reference books and sources, so at the moment i have no further informations about this badge;
Excellent artillerist, die struck from tombac, soldered screwpost, dark red translucent enamel. All areas under the enamel are plain, no dots, no graining, no stars ........ Hammer & sickle separately fixed to the center with two prongs. Weight without screwback 13,5g.
The complete surface is very dark, no patina or colour, looks like a chemical oxydation or like burnished.
All i could find out let me think it is an early version, but i hope someone here can give me some more informations about this variant.

Thanks in advance for your expertise
and kind regards
Markus

[Marcel Banziger]

Welcome to the forum. Hope you enjoy your stay here

It is indeed a rare very early badge. Here's mine:

My Ciney find: a very rare 1st variant 2-piece Excellent Artillerist badge

[Markus Bodeux]

Thanks Marcel !
If i understand Avers 8 correct, there are two more in this early variant with separate H&S
-excellent rifleman (sniper)
-excellent machingunner

correct ?
I need more literature ..........

Kind regards
Markus

[Marcel Banziger]

The Excellent firefighter also is made of two parts, here the torches are seperate. Not sure if this one counts hehe

Regarding books, I started this thread some time ago with useful books regarding Excellence badges. Both are really worth buying.

Collecting Excellence badges

[Markus Bodeux]

Hello Marcel,
thanks for that, i have read your thread already before, but it is not so easy to get these books, i hope to find copies in the future.

Kind regards
Markus