Badge: The Soviets at the OG, Helsinki, 1952

Product detailed description

Condition: good

Dimensions: 22 mm x 40 mm

A real treat for Olympic pin collectors! This Soviet badge commemorates the 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, where the Soviet Union made its Summer Olympics debut. It shows the tower of the Helsinki Olympic Stadium with the Olympic rings and the date 1952, a relief medal below and coloured stripes on both sides. The Russian inscription transliterates as Khelsinki and Sovetskie sportsmeny na olimpiyskikh igrakh, meaning Soviet athletes at the Olympic Games. Painted flat yellow metal, coiled spring pin clasp.

Facts at a glance

• Item: commemorative badge
• Theme: 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Soviet participation
• Country of origin: Soviet Union
• Inscription (transliterated): Khelsinki, Sovetskie sportsmeny na olimpiyskikh igrakh
• Design: Helsinki Olympic Stadium tower, Olympic rings, date 1952, medal, coloured stripes (red, blue, green)
• Material and technique: flat yellow metal, painted
• Fastening: spring pin clasp with coiled spring

Expert note – FAQ

When did the Soviet Union first compete at the Olympics?
The Soviet Union first took part in the Summer Olympic Games in 1952 in Helsinki. On their debut, Soviet athletes finished second in the medal table behind the United States. This is why Helsinki 1952 is one of the most popular themes in Soviet sports badge collecting.

How can I tell when a Soviet badge was made?
A Soviet badge was not necessarily made in the year of the event it commemorates. Many Olympic badges were produced later as part of commemorative series. Clues are found on the reverse, which often carries a maker's mark and a price in kopecks, as well as in the metal, paint technique and clasp type.

How should I clean and store old metal badges?
Keep painted metal badges dry, ideally on felt or in an album with a soft backing, so the paint does not rub off. Do not clean them with chemicals or polish, which damage both paint and patina. A soft dry brush or a microfibre cloth is all you need.