Vintage Grill Badge Appraisal

Vintage Czechoslovakian Cogwheel and Shield Grill Badge

This is a vintage automotive emblem or club badge, likely intended for grill mounting, featuring the national colors and name of Czechoslovakia. The item is constructed from heavy-duty metal, likely brass or zinc alloy with a polished chrome plating. The design is distinctive, featuring a circular outer edge styled as a gear or cogwheel, suggesting an industrial or mechanical theme common in mid-20th-century Eastern European design. Centered within the gear is a shield-style heraldic field divided into the tricolor of the Czechoslovak flag: white, blue, and red. The colors appear to be applied using a hard-enamel or cloisonné technique, which shows some micro-pitting and surface scratches consistent with outdoor age. At the base, a raised scroll banner bears the text 'CZECHOSLOVAKIA' in bold, black-filled block letters. The condition indicates significant age, with noticeable tarnishing and oxidation on the chrome finish, as well as minor spotting on the enameled sections. The craftsmanship is high-quality, with deep casting and sharp edges on the cog teeth. This piece likely dates from the socialist era (circa 1950s-1980s) and serves as a decorative automotive accessory or commemorative souvenir for travelers or car enthusiasts.