Afghanistan, Democratic Republic. An Order of the Saur Revolution, c. 1985

A square shaped badge in silver gilt, the center featuring an inscription on a red enamelled field surrounded by a wheat wreath with a five point star at 12 o'clock, the square shape made by short smooth rays, reverse plain with raised inscription and short engraving along the base, measures 45.3mm (w) x 42.6mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), weighs 56.6 grams (inclusive of ribbon), worn on a five point ribbon with metal backing, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Saur Revolution was instituted on December 24, 1980 and awarded until 1992. The Order is believed to have been created in commemoration of the Saur, or April, Revolution led by the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) in 1978 and which resulted in the overthrow of the monarchy and establishment of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. There are 2 versions of the Decoration which vary by design. Early versions are believed to be of Russian manufacture and are of a rectangular design while the later version takes the design of a star.