{"product_id":"russian-fsb-counterintelligence-service-100th-anniversary-badge-variation-1-rare-official-issue","title":"Russian FSB Counterintelligence Service 100th Anniversary Badge – Variation 1, Rare Official Issue","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item – Only One Available. A rare original 2022 commemorative breast badge marking the 100th anniversary of the Counterintelligence Service of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), representing a century of organized counterespionage within the Soviet and Russian state security establishment. The anniversary traces its origins to 6 May 1922, when the State Political Directorate (GPU) established a centralized Counterintelligence Department to combat foreign espionage, clandestine intelligence networks, and activities considered threatening to Soviet state security. Throughout the following decades, these responsibilities passed through successive Soviet security institutions, including the OGPU, NKVD, MGB, and the powerful Second Chief Directorate of the KGB, before continuing under the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation. The 2022 centenary commemorated this institutional lineage and the generations of counterintelligence officers, operational specialists, commanding personnel, and veterans associated with the service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe badge is an elaborate multi-piece metal construction combining a silver-toned shield with richly sculpted gilt elements and exceptionally vivid translucent red and deep-blue enamel. Its central composition features a mounted warrior turning backward to strike a dragon, a distinctive counterintelligence emblem symbolizing vigilance, the detection of concealed threats, and the protection of state security. The finely modeled gilt figure is superimposed upon a striking red-enamel shield with radiating sunburst lines, creating remarkable depth and visual contrast. A prominent upright sword rises above the composition, while a curved cobalt-blue enamel banner bears the inscription \"Counterintelligence Service\" in raised gilt lettering. Beneath the mounted figure appears the large anniversary inscription \"100 Years,\" with the commemorative dates incorporated into the lower silver-toned shield. The reverse retains its original screwpost fastening and gilt circular securing plate bearing the Spetsznak manufacturer's marking, together with an additional impressed maker's symbol. This Variation 1 example remains in excellent condition, preserving its vivid enamel, sharply defined relief, original fittings, and attractive contrasting metal finishes, with light surface wear visible on the reverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe significance of this centenary badge lies in its direct association with one of the most historically important branches of the Soviet and Russian security services, whose specialized counterespionage functions formed a central component of the KGB and subsequently the FSB. Its elaborate heraldic design recalls the traditional shield-and-sword insignia of the Soviet security establishment while incorporating the distinctive mounted-warrior emblem of modern Russian counterintelligence. The Spetsznak-marked construction and identifiable first-variation design further distinguish this commemorative issue from ordinary mass-produced security-service badges. For specialist collectors of Soviet KGB history, Russian FSB insignia, and departmental intelligence-service decorations, this is a rare original centenary badge representing one hundred years of institutional counterintelligence history and the enduring heraldic traditions of Russia's state security apparatus.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Russia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53535140184376,"sku":null,"price":280.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0799\/1256\/7096\/files\/IMG_3240.jpg?v=1792605045","url":"https:\/\/khanmilitaria.com\/products\/russian-fsb-counterintelligence-service-100th-anniversary-badge-variation-1-rare-official-issue","provider":"KhanMilitaria","version":"1.0","type":"link"}