Judaica / Zionism - Russian Betar Pendant, Chess prize, 1942

Judaica / Zionism - Russian Betar Pendant, Chess prize, 1942 A rare pendant from World War II, produced for the Zionist youth movement Betar (Brit Yosef Trumpeldor). Betar items from Soviet territories during the 1940s are exceptionally scarce, as Zionist activity was prohibited under the Soviet regime. Obverse Russian inscription БЕТАР (“Betar”) at the top. Central emblem: the Betar menorah symbol. Lower inscription: 1942. Floral decoration at bottom. Reverse Hand-engraved Russian dedication: I - First place Mirkin B. - likely the recipient’s name Shakhmaty - “Chess” 2 kat. - 2nd category (second rank) Fevr. - February Indicating: First place in chess, 2nd category, awarded to B. Mirkin, February (likely 1942). Betar operated widely throughout Eastern Europe, training Jewish youth in self-defense, Zionist ideology and Hebrew studies. During WWII, Betar cells continued underground, and items like this pendant often served as internal awards or symbols of membership. Weight: 3.181 g Size: 25×30 mm