Real, repro or fake Soviet parachute badges

[War Relics]

My interest is primarily in U. S. parachute wings but I have thought of expanding to those of other countries. While searching for Soviet parachute badges for sale the following are just a few that I was curious about. I have an developed an opinion about each based on what I information and photos I have found available on each one.
Let me begin with badge #1. This is listed as a 1936 original WWII period badge that has some enamel damage and a replacement screw plate  for the screw back post. It is concave which would be correct from what I’ve researched. I think #1 is a authentic 1936 Soviet parachute badge based on what I have seen. I would welcome opinions on badge #1.  

Badge #2 is listed as a 1970 to 1980’s Soviet basic parachute badge. The clasp on the back is similar to what might be found on post war Soviet medals. My gut feeling is that it is a reproduction and not an authentic parachute badge for the period. I may be wrong however and would appreciate opinions.

 

Badge #3 is listed as a Soviet airborne badge. The location is given as Estonia. Looking at a similar badge this one looks different and I have read on the forum that these have been heavily faked and reproduced. Based on that I believe that this one is not original but I might be wrong so opinions would be appreciated on this one as well. The listing for it doesn’t read that it is original or authentic.

 

[Tonomachi]

You are correct on all three badges.  Your first "kite" Soviet basic paratrooper badge is an original 1936 model with a replacement circular screw plate.  This is their second basic paratrooper badge as the more sought after badge is their 1931 model which are usually serial numbered.   I have never come across a 1936 model badge with a serial number.  There is yet a third WW2 era "kite" Soviet basic paratrooper badge that I believe is considered a 1936 model variant.  I believe the 1936 model continued to be worn and produced into the late 1940s early 1950s so if you are looking for a WW2 example I would wait for a 1931 model. 

 

Your second badge is a cheap copy of the types of Soviet military badges sold to tourists that you find pinned to those obsolete Soviet overseas caps. 

 

The third badge is a well made copy as they have gotten better at making these reproductions.  I've seen some really well made copies of their WW2 era instructor paratrooper badges from I'm guessing the original insignia companies that weren't trying to deceive collectors but make a museum quality copy for profit.  Over the years I've only seen a handful of original instructor or master paratrooper badges for sale and many are in very worn condition with missing bits of enamel as I have never come across one for sale in mint condition like this one. 

[triplecanopy]

I agree completely with Tonomachi's evaluation. There are numerous fakes out there of the early Soviet Parachute badges, so be careful of those. I don't think that the later (1960-1980 era) Soviet badges are much to be concerned about since so many were made. I recall seeing full duffel bags of Soviet Parachute badges at collector shows back in the 1990's. The early Soviet Badges are of the highest quality and the enamel work is top notch. Here is an example you can use for comparison, B&T 721. It is absolutely authentic. You will notice that the Star, Aircraft, parachute canopy and jump number are all separately applied pieces. Best of luck in your collecting.

[War Relics]

Thanks for your input. I was pretty sure about #1. I did wonder why it didn’t have a serial number as I knew most Soviet badges do. Thanks for clearing that up for me!
Both numbers 2 and 3 didn’t give me a good “feeling.”I couldn’t find anything to compare #2 with and #3 didn’t match up with the legitimate Soviet parachute badge of that type I found. 

Thanks for the excellent example and advice. 

I’ve picked up a lot of useful knowledge about different types of militaria from this forum and it’s sister (U. S. Militaria Forum) but as the poem goes,”miles to go before I sleep.”Thanks again guys! As always, I appreciate your input.

[War Relics]

Pictured below are 3 type 1936 Soviet Russian parachute badges and 1 type 1931 Soviet parachute badge from my collection. From what I have read and been advised here the 1936’s are hard to date even though they appear in photos of the era because they were issued into the early 1950’s. Only the 1931’s can truly be from WWII. From my experience both the 1931 and 1936 type are hard to find, with the 1931’s being rarer. 

 

[Tonomachi]

Nice find on the 1931 model.  Here is a picture of the 1936 variant I was talking about.