History

This Order of the Badge of Honor was established on November 25, 1935, however the statutes were established on March 28, 1980. The reason for this is unknown. This Order was conferred in recognition of extraordinary accomplishments in the fields of scientific research, production, governmental, cultural, athletic and other pursuits, and for showing civilian courage. It was awarded to citizens of the USSR, enterprises, establishments, organizations, regions, cities, and other populations. It could also be awarded to foreigners, foreign establishments, and foreign organizations.

On December 28, 1988, the Order of the Badge of Honor was replaced by the newly established Order of Honor. The only difference between the two orders is that the Russian words Znak Pocheta at the bottom of the Order of the Badge of Honor were replaced by a hammer and sickle and leaves on the Order of the Honor.

Prior to the Second World War, 14,500 of these orders were awarded. During the war, 66,000 were given during the war and over 1,500,000 were awarded by 1988. The Badge of Honor has four Types.

Type III, "flatback" was awarded from June 19, 1943 until some time in the 1950s (date unknown). The mode of wearing this order changed from a screwpost to a five-sided suspension via a small hole attached to the 12 o'clock. The Cyrillic letters for USSR are slightly larger than on Type II. It has three variations, all of which are flatbacked.

Variation I has a small Monetny Dvor makers mark, the same as Type II, Variation V. The serial numbers range from roughly 32,000 to 92,000.

Variation II has an even smaller, stacked makers mark. The Russian word Monetny measures only 6mm (only Variation I, it is 8.5mm wide). The serial numbers range from roughly 96,000 to 126,000.

Variation III has a large, stacked makers mark in the center of the reverse. The Russian word Monetny measures 12mm wide. The serial numbers range from roughly 100,000 to 169,000.

The obverse Russian inscription translates to: "Workers of the World, Unite!" and "Badge of Honour". The obverse also features the Russian letters for the USSR.