Soviet Komsomol (ВЛКСМ) 70th-anniversary commemorative badge, 1918–1988

Name/Title

Soviet Komsomol (ВЛКСМ) 70th-anniversary commemorative badge, "1918–1988"

Entry/Object ID

2025.23.3

Description

Two-part pendant badge. The upper suspension bar takes the form of a furled red banner lettered "1918–1988" in white, resting on splayed gold-tone wheat ears. A wire loop links it to a hanging pendant: a gold-tone pentagon (point down) framing a circular silver-tone medallion bearing the Komsomol emblem — a hammer-and-sickle above, three stylized flame/ear plumes at right, a furled banner across the center reading ВЛКСМ, and a laurel sprig below.

Collection

Lydia del Carmen García y Quirós collection

Acquisition

Accession

2025.23

Acquisition Method

Gift

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Factory of Experimental and Souvenir Products (Mytishchi)

Date made

1988

Time Period

1980s

Place

Country

U.S.S.R.

Region

Eastern Europe

Continent

Europe

Notes

Date: 1988 (dated on the face). The span "1918–1988" marks the 70th anniversary of the Komsomol, founded 29 October 1918.

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Transcription

1918-1988 Komsomolsk

Notes

Upper bar: 1918 – 1988. Pendant banner: ВЛКСМ (VLKSM — Vsesoyuzny Leninsky Kommunistichesky Soyuz Molodyozhi, the All-Union Leninist Young Communist League).

Materials

Material

Metal

Material Notes

Materials: Gilt and silvered metal (likely anodized aluminum or brass/tombac); red and white enamel or enamel-effect paint. Technique: Die-struck metal, two elements joined by a wire suspension link; cold-enamel/epoxy color fill; gilt and silvered finishes.

Condition

Overall Condition

Good

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Lydia del Carmen García y Quirós

Notes

owner

Person or Organization

Vladimir I. Lenin

Notes

imagery

Related Places

Place

City

New York City

State/Province

New York

Country

U.S.A.

Continent

North America

Notes

preservation

Place

Country

U.S.S.R.

Region

Eastern Europe

Continent

Europe

Notes

production

Research Notes

Notes

The Komsomol (ВЛКСМ) was the youth organization of the CPSU, founded 29 October 1918 and dissolved 1991; "1918–1988" dates this to the 70th-anniversary observance. Commemorative badges were issued for major Komsomol jubilees (50th in 1968, 70th in 1988).

Created By

María A. Cabrera Arús

Create Date

August 31, 2025

Updated By

María A. Cabrera Arús

Update Date

June 18, 2026