UNKNOWN RUSSIAN SILVER BADGE OGPU KGB, 1923
A Russian silver badge from the OGPU KGB. One part of the badge is missing. The star is provided for reference/sample purposes.
CONDITION: Very good condition for its age. For further information, please refer to the pictures.
PROVENANCE: 1. From N. Pavlov's collection, representing the second generation of Russian emigration in the USA; 2. Our sale of this item adds another layer of provenance (please print this page). History of sale is very IMPORTANT for serious collection.
DIMENSIONS: 44.25 x 35.14 mm (1.74 x 1.38 inches). Weight: 8.9 grams. Extremely rare badge.
Also please note - the badge is not from RSFSR - it is from regional OGPU. It is mean it was made 20 - 30 samples, no more. We are sure this is Unique badge - known only in one sample.
ESTIMATED PRICE: $300 - $1,000.
Last reference catalogue Avers 8, 2008 does not have that badge. But other badges what looks like similar has a price $10,000+.
WARRANTY: The buyer has 5 days to inspect items for originality, valued at up to $5,000, and 10 days for items valued at $5,000 or more. Items can be returned to the seller for a refund; please refer to the Terms for more details.
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HISTORY: OGPU was the secret police of the Soviet Union from 1922 to 1934. It was after the Cheka and before the NKVD. Its official name was the Joint State Political Directorate. The OGPU was theoretically supposed to operate with more restraint than the Bolshevik secret police, the Cheka. The OGPU 's powers were greatly increased in 1926, when the Soviet criminal code was amended to include a section on'anti-state terrorism'. The law were vaguely written and very broadly interpreted. Even before then, it set up tribunals to try the most exceptional cases of terrorism, usually without calling any witnesses. In time, the OGPU 's powers grew even greater than those of the Cheka.

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