Imperial Russian Sharpshooter Badge

[rbno]

Good afternoon, gents. I posted this on the “International Militaria” forum, but got no response, so I’ll try here.

I'm more than a little out of my comfort zone on this one. OK, here is what I think I know about this item...

It is an Imperial Russian sharpshooter's badge. Because of the rifles, it is from the WWI era.

Most important, I don't know if it is original or a reproduction.

Any additional information or opinions as to originality, will be greatly appreciated.

Alen Davidson

a1.jpg b2.jpg

[Eric Gaumann]

Here's mine (which I am about 95% content with.)
sharpshooting-badge.jpg

[Stive]

There were no snipers in the Russian Imerator Army. Soldiers and non-commissioned officer were awarded the badge for performing rifle shooting exercises
It is difficult to determine the originality of the badge from the photo. The badge was made of brass. For comparison, the original badge.

[rbno]

Eric and Stive: Thank you for your replies.

Perhaps a stupid question, but does anyone actually know if this badge has been reproduced?

Eric: The type you have appears to be an older rifle. I guess this is an older pattern?

Stive: Yours looks to be the same as mine, except mine is silver color. It appears to be plated with nickel or a similar metal. The prongs match yours, as does the trademark. The prongs are attached by brazing. The green corrosion is consistent with a brass or bronze metal with a silver plating. Great picture, by the way. The picture seems to show 2 colors, one lighter than the other. So, I assume they represent different grades of the same award. Right?

Mine is slightly vaulted. The overall height is about 47mm from the muzzles to the lower point of the stock. The width of the round part is about 39.5mm. It weighs about 11.8 grams.

Thanks, again,

Alen Davidson

[Eric Gaumann]

The picture seems to show 2 colors, one lighter than the other. So, I assume they represent different grades of the same award. Right?

Correct. Look at Stive's 4th photo; centered (almost) on the soldier's chest are the three grades of the badges hanging from one another in a vertical row. From what I've read your silvered badge would be 2nd grade and my brass badge would be 3rd grade. Also of note on that last photo is something I am unaware of but it's look/design is not too dissimilar to the German 'shutzenschnur'.

[Stive]

Hi Alain. There were a lot of varieties and badge manufacturers for "For excellent shooting." I specifically put the badge of the same manufacturer. Both badges look very similar, but on your badge there is a second, additional manufacturer's stamp, which is unusual.

[rbno]

Eric and Stive - Again, thank you for your replies.

Stive, I missed the dual hallmark. Thank you for pointing that out.

Alen Davidson