Society for the Struggle for Sobriety | Общество борьбы за трезвость
Gorbachev's "Dry Law" Era | 1985-1991
Own a genuine piece of Soviet history! This authentic badge represents the All-Union Voluntary Society for the Struggle for Sobriety (Всесоюзное добровольное общество борьбы за трезвость), a significant social movement in the USSR during Mikhail Gorbachev's controversial anti-alcohol campaign.
In May 1985, Gorbachev launched what became known as the "Dry Law" - one of the most dramatic social experiments in Soviet history. This wasn't just a campaign - it was a full-scale war on alcohol that transformed daily life across the USSR. Stores were emptied of alcoholic beverages, ancient vineyards were destroyed, and the Society for Sobriety was established in the late 1980s and early 1990s to promote this radical change. Members wore these badges as symbols of their commitment to a sober lifestyle during this turbulent period.
| Condition | NEW OLD STOCK (NOS) - Factory Fresh, Never Worn |
| Item Type | Lapel Pin / Badge (Значок) |
| Country of Origin | USSR (Soviet Union) |
| Era | 1985-1991 |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Diameter | 21.4mm (0.84 inches) |
| Thickness | 2.4mm (0.09 inches) |
| Attachment | Original pin back fastener |
| Weight | Lightweight - under 5g |
| Design | Official emblem with Cyrillic text |
This badge is in BRAND NEW, NEVER WORN condition! Original deadstock from Soviet-era warehouse storage. These badges were manufactured 35+ years ago but remained in storage and were never issued or worn. Pristine condition - no wear, no scratches, no oxidation. Pin mechanism is factory-fresh and fully functional. This is as close to time-travel as you can get!
The anti-alcohol campaign of 1985-1988 was one of Gorbachev's first major domestic initiatives, often referred to as the "Dry Law" or prohibition campaign. This radical social experiment had profound effects on Soviet society:
Members of the Society for Sobriety wore these badges proudly, displaying their commitment to the campaign. The movement organized cultural events, educational programs, and promoted healthy lifestyles as alternatives to drinking. Despite good intentions, the campaign was unpopular and contributed to sugar shortages (used for moonshine), loss of state revenue, and social tensions.
Today, these badges serve as fascinating artifacts from this controversial period in Soviet history, representing both the social challenges of the era and one of Gorbachev's most ambitious but ultimately failed reforms. The campaign was quietly abandoned by 1988, but these badges remain as tangible evidence of this unique moment in history.
Packaging: Item will be carefully packaged in protective material to ensure safe delivery.
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Ships from: Ukraine
Soviet-era collectibles have shown consistent appreciation over the years. New Old Stock (NOS) items are particularly valuable because they represent a time capsule - original items that were never used and remained in pristine storage for decades. While most badges show wear from being worn, these warehouse finds are in factory-fresh condition, making them significantly more desirable to serious collectors. As these deadstock items become scarcer and historical interest grows, NOS pieces like this badge represent both a tangible connection to history and a premium collectible investment.
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