Everyone knows that the USSR is the first country to launch a man into space. It is not surprising that in the award system Russian Federation and the USSR, a large niche is reserved for medals for astronauts. However, in this section you will only see space icons, among which, nevertheless, there are awards that are not inferior in popularity to the medal for space exploration.

Did you know that the community of falerists in Russia considers the collection of space badges the most popular among all award themes? All this is due to the fact that during the existence of the USSR, special attention was paid to these badges of honor. As a result, so many awards were established that the opinion of the falerists on the attribution of certain signs to the space theme was divided.

There are adherents of "clean space" who believe that the segment of these awards should not include signs issued in honor of celestial bodies, spacecraft or missiles. Their supporters believe that everything related to space should be included in the collection of space icons. We are adherents of the second approach, so we can find signs with attributes of the first satellites or rockets. Moreover, we have international badges in honor of the First Man on the Moon, as well as in honor of a soft landing on the Earth's satellite. We, as an online store, consider it our duty to convey to our descendants the entire history of the country.

Despite the fact that the first flight into space was made on April 12, 1961, the sign that opened the niche for awards to astronauts was established back in 1957. It was in this year that the first space satellite was launched. In addition, the party leaders of that time decided to present scientists who distinguished themselves by their success in mastering a new niche of science with Tsiolkovsky medals.

If we consider the 20th century from the point of view of mankind's breakthrough to the stars, then each space sign can be considered a symbol of a new page in the history of planet Earth. Such badges of honor were a reflection of the desire of mankind for new heights and a happy future, and were awarded to those who achieved success in the field of space exploration. It is for this reason that USSR space icons are present in almost every collection of falerists in modern Russia.

Cosmonauts were awarded to military personnel, civilians, scientists and researchers in the field of space science, public figures or veterans of the USSR astronautics. The price of the badge depends on how small it was issued. Rare insignia of the VKS are sold more expensive than those that were awarded to a large number of people.

More than half of all boys and young men who studied in the Soviet Union dreamed of becoming an astronaut. So, this section of the Voenmag awards is dedicated to those who managed to fulfill their childhood dream.

What Cosmos badges can be bought at the Voenmag military store

In the cosmos badge catalog of our online store, you can find a large number of HQS badges, both state-owned and established by public organizations.

Many of you probably know that the Space Forces have existed in Russia since 2001 for ten years. Previously part of the Strategic Missile Forces, the decision to allocate these troops to separate view was due to the growing role of "star" tasks in the well-being of the country as a whole.

However, in 2011 this branch of the military was disbanded and became part of the Aerospace Defense Forces (Space Defense Forces), and four years later it was decided to return everything to its place. So the Space Forces appeared again in the Russian Federation. This time, not as a separate unit, but as part of the VKS (Aerospace Forces). By the way, the VKS badge with a collet mount, which is freely available in our catalog, can be bought for ridiculous money. Don't miss this opportunity.

It is impossible to overestimate the contribution of space troops to the current well-being of the country. After all, they are responsible for neutralizing threats from space. It's about not about alien invasion, but about satellites of other countries and nuclear attacks. Moreover, this branch of the military is responsible for the development and launch of new missiles into space, both military and civilian. In addition, military personnel in the Space Forces maintain satellites, as well as their launch and control facilities, in combat readiness.

If you would like to celebrate the work of a close military serviceman in the Russian Space Forces, then we are pleased to offer you badges of merit for the Aerospace Forces. You also have the right to opt for the "Excellence in the Space Forces" badge, which is sold at a surprisingly low cost in our online store.

If we talk about the era of the USSR, then the first part of the space assignment (which were later transformed into the Strategic Missile Forces) was formed back in 1955. That year, a decision was made to build a test site for research work in the field of space exploration. Later this test site was named Baikonur. In honor of this "star" town, every anniversary of it, a commemorative sign. You can buy all of them at the Voenmag military store. We are talking about Baikonur badges 40 years old, 45 years old, 50 years old, 55 years old. We have presented a whole series of awards in honor of this legendary "star" parade ground. There is also a simple metal badge on this theme with a rocket against a blue globe.

Three years after the launch of the Baikonur project, the Soviet government announced its intention to build another test site - this time for launching ballistic missiles intercontinental destination. We are talking about the world-famous Plesetsk cosmodrome. Unfortunately, no badge was issued in honor of this spaceport. But we have a medal for those who served at the famous training ground.

It is not worth mentioning the first launch of a man into space - Yuri Gagarin on spaceship"Vostok" - this date is engraved in the memory of not only all our compatriots, but also the majority of foreign citizens. In honor of this event, which was watched by the entire planet, a commemorative kosmos badge was issued on the pimsa, timed to coincide with the 45th anniversary of Yuri Alekseevich's flight. On the theme of this event, our managers can recommend a number of badges to buyers. For example, a commemorative sign " Vostok 1961", Or Yuri Gagarin's badge. Flipping through the pages of our catalog, you will find many more awards in honor of the first man in space.

We all know from school that two dogs were the first to see space - Squirrel and Strelka. You can order a space badge from us in honor of their safe return to Earth.

The current VKS as they are were created in 1992. The Plesetsk, Golitsino-2, Svobodny and legendary Baikonur cosmodromes were given direct subordination to this branch of the military.

Our catalog contains class badges of the USSR and Russian Aerospace Forces - from the first to the third. All badges are released at prices not exceeding 300 rubles.

When is Space Forces Day celebrated?

In 2002, the President of the Russian Federation adopted a decree on celebrating the Day of the Space Forces on October 4th. Why this particular date? Because in 1957, it was on October 4 that the first artificial satellite Earth, which opened the door for Russia to the world of military and civil cosmonautics.

By the way, we are pleased to offer our customers a badge issued in honor of the First Sputnik of the USSR. The circle of this icon indicates the date of its launch.

What emblems of the Space Forces exist in Russia

In the same 2002, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation ordered the creation of special heraldic signs symbolizing the Space Forces. Among the people, this paraphernalia was simply nicknamed - space icons. Small, medium and large emblems of the Space Forces were developed.

• The first shows a silver rocket in the form of a triangle against the background of our planet in the form of a ball, separated by horizontal stripes of the Russian tricolor. This symbolizes the significance of the achievements of our country in terms of world cosmonautics. Above, two equivalent triangles depict antennas, with the help of which space troops control intergalactic space.

• On the second - a golden double-headed eagle with the arrows of Perun (pagan God) in the right paw, and a silver rod in the other. The arrows are directed downwards and this means that the space forces can at any moment repel an attack from other states, since they can see everything at a glance. Above is a rocket with an antenna. The chest of the eagle is decorated with a red shield with a rider who clashed in a fight with a dragon.

• The third emblem (in a different way, on the coat of arms) depicts a small, first emblem, which is enclosed in a dark blue heraldic shield. The latter is framed by a wreath, in the upper part of which is the emblem of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. This wreath symbolizes the courage and bravery of the fighters of the space front.

What are the space badges presented in Voenmag made of?

Our hypermarket cooperates with manufacturers of medals and badges that have long established themselves in the market. All lots are made of high alloy brass. Cosmos badges are painted with organic enamel using hot coating technique. This technique has been successfully used in the industry for several decades. It allows you to achieve the perfect quality of products due to the reliable adhesion of the paint to the workpiece.

Our customers can be 100 percent sure that they are ordering quality products that will serve them for a long time. All engraved details are applied by our manufacturers using a high precision engraving machine. Everything, even the smallest details, is polished to a shine. Not a single medal or badge has a defect, because all finished products are carefully inspected from all sides.

You can always buy space badges at Voenmag!

To do this, you just need to fill out an online application or leave us a request for a call back (button "Buy in one click"). Our consultants will quickly contact you by the phone you left and take the order verbally.

If you urgently need USSR space badges, buying these rare badges of honor in Moscow is as easy as shelling pears. You just need to call us and we will send you the goods by courier the very next day (valid only for residents of Moscow and the Moscow region). Order space badges from Voenmag - the lowest price on the Internet!

Looking for expensive badges of the USSR or products, the price of which "does not bite"? Soberu.ru online auction is always at your service! Or maybe they decided, on the contrary, to profitably sell the existing gizmos? And this task is solved with us as simply as possible, quickly and without even leaving your home! There are many valuable things in our catalog, for example, Soviet Cosmos badges or sports badges, etc.

Badges of the USSR and the technology of their manufacture

Badges in the USSR were mass-produced for almost every significant event or anniversary in the country, and in large series and circulation. They were dedicated to certain topics, for example, tanks, planes, the Ulyanov family, etc. However, they were often dedicated to minor events or even objects. Among them, of course, there are rare specimens, the price of which is quite high.

Various technologies are used for manufacturing, which to a certain extent affects the cost:

• sunset
• etching without enamel
• etching with enamel
• resin etching
• resin filling.

As for sunset products, they are made in various shapes (square, round, oval) and are distinguished by a traditional fastening - a pin. An image is applied to the plastic base and covered with a waterproof film coating to provide protection from mechanical stress.

Copies made in the USSR by etching come in various shapes (from square to triangular). This method is rather complicated and time-consuming. First, the part that should be protruding is emulsified, then the product is placed in acid, and the uncoated areas are etched with acid. Then enamel is applied and the product is placed in an oven to dry. Next comes the resin coating for gloss. Among the advantages of manufacturing using etching is the transfer of the finest details to the metal.

Another manufacturing method is resin pouring. Often the most expensive badges have a brass base. In addition, unlike all others, they are characterized flat shape. On the front side, the products are covered with a film with an image, then filled with polymer resin. The result is a lens effect that gives brightness and volume. Prices for such products are above average.

Of greatest interest among falerist collectors are expensive badges of the USSR, the cost of which is higher due to various factors. These include most of the products made of heavy metals until about the 50-60s. the last century. According to the price scale, it is customary to divide all copies into several groups (in ascending order):

• very mass circulations (more than 10 thousand copies), having a simple execution
• mass releases, but characterized by complex execution
• rare badges of the USSR, but uninformative
• expensive badges of the USSR, the price of which is high due to the interesting design and history, the availability of documents
• very large in size products with complex design
• the most expensive badge of the USSR, the price of which starts from 10 thousand dollars (a category with exclusive options).

The rarest badges of the USSR

In the list of rarities that can be categorized as the most expensive badges of the USSR, items produced before the Second World War stand out. For example, for the metal emblem of the Friends of Radio society, you can get from 10 thousand dollars. Copies called "Dobrolet" are also highly valued.

Looking into a specialized catalog, you can find out that small series are held in high esteem, designed to popularize the Society for the Promotion of Defense, Aviation and chemical production(Osoaviakhim). Similar products began to appear with the development of aviation. In 1926, a copy dedicated to the international flight to Angora from Paris was released, which became a real rarity.

In addition, the catalog of expensive USSR badges contains varieties of the 1930s, produced in limited series on equipment that has been preserved from tsarist times.

Good deals for you!

Interested space icons? Do you want to pick up worthy copies for your adored collection or put up for sale the existing ones? Soberu.ru online auction is always happy to help - all tasks are solved by us as simply as possible, profitably, and without even leaving home! There are many valuable things in our catalog, for example, rare badges of the USSR or sports badges, etc.

Space phaleristics in the USSR

There is an opinion that contemporaries comprehend events rather slowly, being their witnesses, and it takes time to evaluate certain events. Meanwhile, the space age, which began in the fall of 1957, was immediately appreciated by contemporaries. Almost every flight of satellites, as well as the Voskhod and Vostok spacecraft, was accompanied by the release of postcards, postage stamps, and table medals. Of course, the USSR also produced space-themed badges.

Collectors also rushed in the footsteps of the space Odyssey, replenishing the collections with new themes, which quickly took one of the leading places. Over the past years, only breastplates on the space theme have been issued over one thousand items. Many adherents of a fascinating topic include all products on which there are references or images of any "space" details: orbits, rockets, celestial bodies, etc. In everyday life there is the term "cosmic symbolism". It distinguishes "clean space", and Soviet badges with portraits of cosmonauts, launch dates, images of specific satellites, moons, and ships refer to it.

Gizmos the size of a small button were stamped. Very often they even replaced costume jewelry for Soviet dandies and fashionistas. The materials for the manufacture of most products were:

• wood
• alloys and metals (brass, bronze, stainless steel, aluminum, duralumin)
• glass
• semiprecious stones
• different types of plastics
• enamels, varnishes.

Of particular interest are the icons on the theme of Space, the price of which today is very different, with the image of a portrait of V. V. Tereshkova called “Hero Soviet Union. Tereshkova V.V. Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR”, as well as with images of the spacecraft “Vostok-3”, “Mars-2.Mars-3”, “Vostok-12”, “Voskhod-2. March 18, 1965”, “Luna”, “The first Soviet spacecraft. Proton-1965", "Luna-10.1966", "Salyut-6", "Soyuz-39". In addition, the copy dedicated to the international space flight is noteworthy - it is called “USSR-MPR. March 22-30, 1981".

You can buy icons on the theme of Space today at a very different price - both inexpensive and high cost. The price, as a rule, consists of many components, including circulation, safety, engraving, etc. According to the price scale, they are usually divided into several groups:

• very massive releases (over 10 thousand copies), which have a simple execution
• mass series, but characterized by complex execution
• rare products, but uninformative
• rare items with interesting history and registration, with documents
• rare, large specimens with complex design
• exclusive options.

If we talk about the cost in general, then aluminum products produced after 1960 with an indication of their price are little valued. All gizmos before 1960 (conditionally) are of particular interest, especially if the circulation does not exceed one million copies. When evaluating, perfect preservation is very important.

We wish you profitable shopping and sales!

Part 1. Attempt to systematize

Instead of an epigraph, I will give a description of the series from the catalog of Ilyinsky-Kuzin-Saukke.

Each badge is a regular pentagon with a side of 20 mm. In its center is inscribed a circle with a diameter of 23 mm, which depicts the various stages space research and an inscription. The back of the badge shows the month and year of the event. The only exception is the title sign of the series - it bears only an inscription in three lines.

The series was produced by the Mytishchi Experimental and Souvenir Products Plant in 1973 in two versions: anodized and copper-plated aluminum. The image of the details is embossed, pin fastening.
<описание сюжетов 11-ти значков с номерами XVI.39 – XVI.49>

In early 1974, this series was continued with a new title badge.
<описание еще 12-ти значков с номерами XVI.50 – XVI.61>

Instead of a preface

In total, there are 23 badges in the series, two of which are capital.

A complete list of the rest of the icons in the series is given at the end of the article.

The series badges went through numerous re-releases and flooded the "kiosk" market of the time. They were sold, as a rule, in sets on a cardboard box - the capital one in the center, and five more were attached around. The cartons themselves were either sealed in a plastic bag or placed in a plastic box.

The composition of the sets varied. talking modern language, a successful marketing ploy - the buyer only needs one badge, but is forced to take five more in addition. I remember the prices, right, 70 kopecks and 1 ruble 5 kopecks, respectively.

Only once I saw these badges in bulk, a copper-plated version, in the window of the Moscow Soyuzpechat kiosk in August 1973. The kiosk was not yet open, so I did not buy the badges, which I regretted for many years later. Copper badges are much rarer than anodized ones. As for the sets, I purchased them in the period from 1974 to 1982, and almost all of them came to Moscow, in the GUM badge department. Of course, my personal consumer experience is far from being an indicator, but it can only distort reality in the direction of downplaying the "scale of the disaster", that is, the incredible number of badges released.

stigma

As we know, in 1973 the first part of the series was released, in 1974 - the second. Between these events, a trademark change took place at the Mytishchi plant. I will conditionally name the old brand with the letter "M", the new - "Horseshoe".

Naturally, in the first issues, the badges of the first part were stamped "M", the badges of the second part were stamped "Horseshoe".

But in reissues, starting in 1974, all the badges of the series were stamped with the “Horseshoe” stamp.

Numerous re-releases have given rise to many varieties, bloopers and other related phenomena, and more on that ahead, but one aspect is of particular importance.

golden badges

The first thing that catches your eye is the presence of badges with differences in the degree of anodization - from light to pronounced golden color. I don't know what causes the golden color. It is unlikely that this is the result of technological deviations, most likely it is a different technology. Possibly different chemical composition coatings. Or maybe the method is current or ultrasound, for example. You can guess as much as you like, but in any case, at least for the psychological health of the collector (save the torment of choosing which of the two anodized badges to leave, which one in duplicate), I think it’s right to single out the golden coating as a separate option.

Thus emerge

Three coverage options

To illustrate these options, I use the first in order, not counting the capitals, icons of each part. By catalog numbering, these are XVI.40 and XVI.51.

XVI.40

XVI.51

In my experience all re-issues of badges are inherent only in gold plating. It remains an open question, was gold plating used in the first editions? The presence of a golden variant with an "M" hallmark does not contradict this assumption, at the same time, the use of old stamps in early reissues is not ruled out.

In any case, at this point I draw an intermediate line and introduce the term

Classic options

I include the options shown above, highlighting the main distinguishing features:

• three coverage options;
• smooth surface of the reverse with a rounded concavity in the center;
• trademark above the pin;
• pin price.

Later re-releases

In these variants, in addition to the “Horseshoe” brand, three main distinguishing features can be distinguished:

• golden coating;
• grainy reverse surface;
• no price.

But lovers of varieties are given the opportunity to expand the classification due to additional features of the reverse sides presented below.

For convenience, I assign the common number 4 to these varieties, and I show examples only with reverses without indicating specific icons.

It should be noted that only common varieties are given, and along with them there are individual deviations, for example:

Head badges also occupy a separate place, having a flat reverse and variations only by the location of the hallmark.

To be continued

Applications

List of icons of the series

January 15, 2015 at 18:00 at the House of Scientists VNIIEF opened an exhibition of Nizhny Novgorod falerist Vladimir Viktorovich Zharinov "SPACE AGE - ICONS AND SIGNS".
Photo 1 - Exhibition in the lobby of the VNIIEF House of Scientists

Formally, the exhibition is dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, but in fact it covers the entire history of space exploration from the beginning of the Space Age (1957) and manned Cosmonautics (1961) to the celebration of the anniversary of Baikonur (2015). The exhibition was opened by Olga Alexandrovna Ostaptseva, an employee of the Department of Education, one of the main organizers of this extraordinary event. She introduced the Nizhny Novgorod collector to a few participants - Sarov falerists and philatelists, presented V. V. Zharinov with a bouquet of flowers.

Photo 2 - Olga Alexandrovna Ostaptseva opens the exhibition

Vladimir Viktorovich himself is a very interesting person! A retired KGB colonel, on duty he looked half the world, was investigating the tragic explosion in Arzamas on June 4, 1988. Today he is the executive director of the Nizhny Novgorod regional public fund "COSMONAVTIKA".

Photo 3 - V. V. Zharinov in his apartment (collage by Natalia Plankina)

Photo 4 - V. V. Zharinov in his workshop (photo: Natalia Plankina)

Even before the official opening of the exhibition, Vladimir Viktorovich was “taken into circulation” by our journalists and television people.

Photo 5 - V. V. Zharinov listens to questions

Photo 6 - And answers them

Photo 7 - Interview to Channel 16, in the foreground Dina Pavlova

Vladimir Viktorovich loves to tell how he started collecting space badges. As an 8-year-old boy, he learned from Pionerskaya Pravda that on October 4, 1957, our country launched the First Satellite in the World, and that it could be observed in the night sky. And, of course, thousands of boys of the USSR, like him, saw the FIRST SATELLITE! But not everyone wrote about it in Pionerskaya Pravda, but Volodya did! And he received the most valuable badge "For participation in observations" as a gift from the newspaper!

Photo 8 - Badge "For Participation in Observations" (1957)

Photo 9 - The reverse side of the badge "For participation in observations"

With pride, Volodya wore this sign for more than one month, and got so carried away that he began to collect all the badges dedicated to space exploration in the USSR! Vladimir Viktorovich showed journalists a box from his pocket with the first badges dedicated to Yu. A. Gagarin (1961).

Photo 10 - The first badges of the USSR dedicated to Yu. A. Gagarin

Especially valuable is the first all-metal badge with hot enamel.

Photo 11 - The first metal sign with Gagarin

And round badges with photos of the first Soviet cosmonauts were sold here in Sarov (Arzamas - 75), in the Lily of the Valley store on Prospekt Mira, starting from 1961 for 11 kopecks. The first detachment of cosmonauts of the USSR could be easily assembled, if desired, on the badges of this particular type.

Photo 12 - The first badge of the famous series of the first astronauts

After the opening and numerous questions, Sarov collectors took pictures with V. V. Zharinov.

Photo 13 - Participants of the opening of the exhibition and collectors of Sarov

with V. V. Zharinov (he is second from the left with flowers)

Now, in more detail about the exhibition itself. The exhibition is located on 10 standard exhibition stands from the RFNC-VNIIEF Museum of YaO.

Photo 14 - Exhibition stand "Yuri Alekseevich Gagarin"

Photo 15 - Exhibition stand "50 years of the first manned flight into space"

Photo 16 - Exhibition stand "Baikonur" and "Star"

The stands feature 46 glazed frames - horizontal tablets with a size of 470x370 square meters. mm (4-6 pieces on each stand). Each tablet has up to a hundred badges, badges or medals from the author's 13,000th collection. That is, about a third of the collection (about 4 thousand pieces) is on display. Each tablet is devoted to a separate topic or, if the topic is large, then it occupies several tablets (for example, “The Flight of Yu. A. Gagarin”).

Photo 17 - Tablet "The first artificial satellite of the Earth - OUR"

Photo 18 - The first icons dedicated to the first Sputnik

Photo 19 - Tablet "The first flight of man into space"

Photo 20 - Tablet "Hero Yu. A. Gagarin"

Photo 21 - Tablet "Yu. Gagarin - 50 years of the first manned space flight

Photo 22 - Tablet "BAIKONUR - the main cosmodrome of the country - 60 years"!

Photo 23 - Tablet "Space complex "ENERGIA - BURAN""

In addition to tablets with icons, there are 4 tablets of “design elements” (for example, a portrait of Gagarin from the cover of Ogonyok magazine in April 1971)

Photo 24 - Vertical tablet 270x370 sq. mm with the cover of the April issue of Ogonyok, 1971

Each of the tablets has rare and even unique signs!

Photo 25 - Badge “Department of the FSB of Russia for the Cosmonaut Training Center named after. Yu. A. Gagarin»

Photo 26 - Sign "Air Force Academy. Yu. A. Gagarin»

Photo 27 - Sign "FOR MERIT" Cosmonaut Training Center. Yu. A. Gagarina

Photo 28 - The sign "Gagarinsky District Department of Internal Affairs"

Photo 29 - One of the variants of Zyuganov's Communist Party medal for the 50th anniversary of the first flight into space

Photo 30 - Sign "FROM SOVIET space explorers"

Vladimir Viktorovich claims that he does not collect foreign badges dedicated to the Cosmos! "Import", even dedicated to Soviet cosmonautics, he does not take because of the "immensity of the topic"! However, we managed to make out on the tablet "Buran" right in the center - a PURE American badge - the reusable ship "Challenger"!

And here are some interesting signs dedicated to Baikonur!

Photo 32 - One of the first Baikonur badges

Photo 33 - Badge "Honorary builder of BAIKONUR"

Photo 34 - Sign "1 measuring point" 50 years -1955-2005

Photo 35 - Badge "55 years of Baikonur" 1955 - 2010

Photo 36 - Sign "BAIKONUR - spaceport of the XXI CENTURY"

In a word, the COLLECTION presented in Sarov is UNIQUE. The exhibition will be open in the foyer of the DU until the end of January! Hurry up to see the space phaleristics of our country, starting with the first copies of Soviet badges! You will be pleasantly surprised and amazed.

And to the owner of the collection, V.V. Zharinov, we say a BIG THANK YOU and wish to find and purchase another 4 thousand space icons, which he has so far only in photographs, and, most importantly, to fulfill his cherished dream, to publish a color catalog on space phaleristics of the USSR and Russia from 1957 until 2015!

Aleksey Demidov – senior researcher at IPE RFNC-VNIIEF,

badge collector with 45 years of experience,

Sarov, January 2015