Award Pin Czechoslovakia Appraisal

Czechoslovak Socialist Labor Brigade (BSP) Award Pin

This is a vintage Czechoslovakian socialist-era award medal or pin associated with the 'Brigády socialistické práce' (Brigades of Socialist Labor). The item is constructed from a die-struck base metal with a brass or bronze-toned finish. It features a circular medallion suspended by a simple metal ring from a rectangular suspension bar. The suspension bar is decorated with a vibrant red cold enamel or lacquer, topped with a distinctive green scalloped laurel leaf border. The medallion depicts two stylized male figures—one wearing a lab coat and the other in overalls—symbolizing the unity between intellectual and manual labor. To the right of the figures are the initials 'BSP' beneath a five-pointed socialist star. The outer perimeter of the medal bears the Czech inscription 'SOCIALISTICKY ŽÍT - PRACOVAT SOCIALISTICKY', which translates to 'Live Socialistically - Work Socialistically'. The medal shows significant signs of age and wear consistent with a mid-to-late 20th-century origin (approx. 1960s-1980s). There is visible oxidation and darkening of the metal surface, particularly in the recessed areas (patina), and slight surface scratching. The red enamel on the suspension bar shows minor loss at the lower right corner. The details remain legible, indicating a mass-produced but durable piece of state-issued paraphernalia intended for workplace achievement recognition.