{"product_id":"1950s-north-korean-kim-il-sung-supreme-leader-portrait-badge-rare-early-original-issue","title":"1950s North Korean Kim Il Sung Supreme Leader Portrait Badge – Rare Early Original Issue","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item – Only One Available. A rare first-generation portrait badge of Kim Il Sung, founder and leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The earliest North Korean leader badges used a circular format with Kim shown in profile, a markedly different design from the rectangular, flag-shaped, and double-portrait badges that became widespread in later decades. This early profile type is generally associated with the 1950s, with the first circular design traditionally dated to 1953, placing it among the formative objects of the personality cult that developed around Kim during the consolidation of the postwar DPRK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe badge is constructed with a rich translucent red-enamel field. At the center is a raised left-facing bust of Kim Il Sung in formal dress, enclosed by a finely modeled laurel wreath, an austere composition characteristic of early socialist portrait insignia. The reverse is plain and retains horizontal pin fastening and reverse fastening has been replaced or repaired during the badge’s service life, most likely following prolonged use; this functional period alteration is clearly documented in the photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is very good for an original badge of this age. The red enamel remains glossy and substantially complete, the portrait and wreath retain strong relief, and the gilt surfaces show an attractive natural patina with minor age-related wear. Early profile badges survive in far smaller numbers than the mass-produced leader badges introduced in the 1970s, making this a historically important example for an advanced collection of political insignia, Korean War-era material, or Cold War personality-cult objects.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"North Korea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52726953673016,"sku":null,"price":220.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0799\/1256\/7096\/files\/IMG_1343.jpg?v=1785583091","url":"https:\/\/khanmilitaria.com\/products\/1950s-north-korean-kim-il-sung-supreme-leader-portrait-badge-rare-early-original-issue","provider":"KhanMilitaria","version":"1.0","type":"link"}