Lot 814: A Collection of Vintage British and Soviet Lapel Badges and Enamel Pins
A collection of assorted lapel badges and pins encompassing public service, advertising, transport, and political categories. The items are primarily British in origin, including pieces from the Channel Islands and Scotland, alongside Soviet-era memorabilia.
Public service and institutional items include a silver-toned eight-pointed star badge for the Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade, and a circular blue and white enamel badge for The Guernsey Children’s Ring featuring the text Hullo! NIG-NOG.
Commercial and advertising items include a gold-toned Pullman railway heraldic badge, a brass-toned Crawford’s Biscuits galleon-shaped badge, a shield-shaped BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) enamel pin, and a Guinness promotional pin. Also present is a Daily Mail Teddy Tail League enamel badge depicting the cartoon character.
Commemorative and political items include two Soviet-era circular pins with red and white enamel featuring a profile portrait of Vladimir Lenin with Cyrillic inscriptions ЛЕНИН (Lenin) and ВЛАДИМИР (Vladimir).
Souvenir and miscellaneous items include a silver-toned Shetland Viking longship pin, a gold-toned dolphin surmounted by a crown resembling maritime insignia, a four-petaled yellow enamel floral pin with the initials PR, and a red shield-shaped badge with a gold-toned portrait bust.
The badges are constructed from various base metals including brass and white metal alloys. Fastening mechanisms include standard pin-backs and a loose butterfly clutch fastener.
Condition report:
The collection is in overall good vintage condition. There is observable surface wear, minor scratches, and age-related tarnish to the metal surfaces. The enamel on most pieces remains largely intact, though some minor pitting or surface dulling is evident consistent with age and previous use. One badge is shown with an exposed reverse pin, and one loose butterfly clutch is included.
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