Czechoslovakia, Socialist Republic. Lot Of Six "Svazarm" Dedicated Work Award Badges

Union for Co-Operation with the Army (Svazarm). Gold, Silver and Bronze Grades, Fullsize and Miniature of each. All six with a two-piece construction, with an inserted flat backer, Gold Grade in bronze gilt, Silver Grade in silvered bronze, Bronze Grade in bronze, all six with red, blue and white enamels added, inverted egg-shaped, the Fullsize Gold Grade badge number engraved "4692" on the reverse, the Fullsize Bronze Grade badge number engraved "A5187" on the reverse, the Miniature Gold Grade badge maker marked "MINCOVNA KREMNICA" on the reverse, the Miniature Silver Grade badge number engraved "68" and maker marked "MINCOVNA KREMNICA" on the reverse, the other two badges unmarked, all six badges illustrating a red star with the Czech lion insignia, a hammer and sickle below, topping a ribbon banner inscribed "SVAZARM", an aeroplane flying above a motorcyclist plus a parachute backed by crossed rifles below, separated by a ribbon banner inscribed "ZA OBE TAVOU PRACI", the outer ring featuring a series of linden leaves, three Fullsize badges measuring approximately 39.5 mm x 54.8 mm each, three Miniature badges measuring approximately 17.5 mm x 24 mm each, all with vertical pinbacks, intact enamels, ranging from very fine to extremely fine.

Footnote: The Svazarm was formed in 1951 in the former Czechoslovakia, to train the population in military based disciplines. The Svazarm was a copy of the Soviet DOSAAF paramilitary group. The activities the Svazarm provided were extremely diverse, ranging from medical training to dog training. Dog lovers would be instructed in the training and breeding of dogs suitable for military purposes, especially German Shepherds. Shortwave radio operation was another popular activity, and was also useful for creating future radio operators in the army. A more specialized branch of the Svazarm, based at Kosice, trained pilots for the air force. Training included at least twenty flight hours of glider training and forty hours of basic training on motorized aeroplanes, as well as the necessary aviation theory. There were also sections for model airplanes and gliding (formally DOSLET), motor sport section (motorcycles and cars) and various shooting sports (including rifle and pistol).