Ukraine RSS Brooch Marseille 1959 enamel USSR vintage Soviet badge
AFW - Antique France Worldwide
Description
Vintage Soviet-era brooch, featuring a slightly irregular rectangular shape. The front of the brooch has a vivid red background adorned with the inscription "RSS d’Ukraine" (Ukrainian SSR) in gold letters, with the hammer and sickle symbol in the upper right corner. A stylized golden ear of wheat is also visible on the right, accentuating the symbolic nature of this badge.
The lower part of the brooch displays a light blue band and the inscription "MARSEILLE" on a dark blue background, accompanied by the date "1959" in gold numbers on a white background. The entire visible face benefits from an enameled decoration, with distinct colors and a brilliant finish evoking the meticulous work of enameled metal typical of Soviet badges from this period.
The outlines are highlighted by a golden border, which emphasizes the contrast between the different colored areas. The relief of the letters and the central motif is well-defined, and the overall piece shows careful craftsmanship. No major defects are visible on the front: the enamel appears well-preserved, with no apparent chips, and the color remains homogeneous despite some slight traces of wear related to time.
The graphic style, the use of red, blue, and gold, as well as the presence of Soviet symbols, clearly place this brooch in the aesthetic of the late 1950s, in connection with international relations and cultural exchanges of the time. The word "MARSEILLE" likely indicates a commemoration or a specific event that took place in this city in 1959.
This badge is a typical example of a commemorative insignia produced in the USSR, awarded during official events or international meetings. Its rarity is due both to its theme (Ukrainian SSR, Marseille, 1959) and the good preservation of its enameled decoration.
Condition
Second-hand item sold as is. The enamel on the front is in very good visual condition, with no visible chips or cracks. Some minimal traces of age-related wear may be observed under light.
Did you know? Soviet enameled badges were often mass-produced, but some, like those dedicated to international events, were produced in limited quantities to mark specific occasions. The year 1959 corresponds to a period of intense cultural exchanges between the USSR and Western Europe, as evidenced by several commemorative badges from French cities.
AFW Reassurance
Fast shipping and careful packaging. Professional seller specializing in historical and decorative items.
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