Welcome to VDG Militaria
We are a small family business based in the Twin Cities Area of Minnesota, passionate about preserving history through authentic military artifacts. Established in 2014, every item in our store has a story to tell, connecting you to a significant piece of the past.
Product Description
Below is the detailed description of the product:
This is an original early Soviet "Ready for Labor and Defense of the USSR" badge (Готов к труду и обороне СССР, abbreviated ГТО СССР), serial numbered 1640950, issued between 1931 and 1936 during the first phase of the program. The badge consists of a red enameled five-pointed star with a silver figure of a runner in motion, superimposed over a cogwheel. The scroll across the star reads Готов к труду и обороне ("Ready for Labor and Defense"). Above, suspended by a small chain, is a diamond-shaped suspension device enameled red with the gold Cyrillic initials ЦИК СССР ВФК—referring to the Central Executive Committee of the USSR and the All-Union Council on Physical Culture. This example is missing the screw-back post for the suspension device but otherwise retains strong enamel and original serial number engraving.
The GTO program was inaugurated in 1931 as a mass physical culture initiative designed to improve the fitness and preparedness of Soviet citizens for both labor and potential military service. It reflected the Soviet ideal of merging physical strength with political loyalty, preparing citizens to serve the state in industrial and military capacities. Badges such as this were awarded to individuals, both men and women, who passed rigorous standards in running, swimming, shooting, and other physical tasks.
The design is steeped in early Soviet iconography: the red star symbolizing Communism and the Red Army, the cogwheel representing the industrial worker, and the athlete symbolizing the new Soviet citizen. These early issue badges, produced from 1931 until a redesign in 1936, are particularly sought after by collectors due to their historic association with Stalin-era mass mobilization campaigns and their intricate construction with separate suspension devices.
The present piece measures approximately 4.8 cm in length including suspension. The reverse shows the correct early pinback fitting and is stamped with the serial number 1640950, confirming its authenticity as an awarded badge from the initial series. Despite the missing screw-post on the suspension, it remains a fine example of one of the USSR’s earliest physical culture awards, representing the fusion of sport, politics, and militarization in the interwar Soviet Union.
Important Note:
We believe that a picture speaks a thousand words. Please carefully examine the photos provided to fully understand the item's condition and details. What you see is exactly what you will receive, so feel free to zoom in and inspect each image to ensure you are satisfied with your purchase.
About Us
VDG Militaria is a family-run business located in the Twin Cities Area of Minnesota. Since 2014, we have been dedicated to preserving historical artifacts and connecting collectors with authentic military memorabilia. We specialize in items from various eras, including World War I, World War II, and beyond.
Why Choose Us?
- Authentic and carefully curated artifacts.
- Family-run business with a personal touch.
- Located in Minnesota, serving customers since 2014.
- Passion for preserving and sharing history.
Payments
We accept all major credit cards and PayPal for secure and convenient transactions.
Shipping
Orders are generally shipped within 4-5 business days via USPS with a tracking number. We are happy to combine shipping to give you the best shipping rate possible. However, PLEASE REQUEST A TOTAL BEFORE PAYING FOR MULTIPLE ITEMS.
If you fail to do so, we will ship your items out individually and will NOT be able to refund shipping prices. We receive hundreds of orders daily, and unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to retroactively combine shipping when the buyer fails to properly request an invoice.
For detailed instructions on how to request a total, please refer to eBay's guidelines on combined shipping. Note: Items shipped internationally via the Global Shipping Program CANNOT be combined due to eBay's policy.
Returns
At VDG Militaria, we only accept returns under the following circumstances:
- The item was damaged during transit.
- There is a concern about the authenticity of the item.
We do not accept returns for the following reasons:
- Buyer?s remorse.
- The item does not fit or meet subjective preferences.
Please carefully review the item description and photos before purchasing. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us via eBay messaging.
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