אות הכושר בצבע כסף, של תהל, 1950 לערך

אות הכושר בצבע כסף, של תהל, 1950 לערך
Israel: IDF 'Fitness Badge' ("Ot HaKosher") silver class, circa. 1950's; not maker-marked but probably by Shmuel Kretchmer; size: 15mm; weight: 1.75g. Solid-backed badge with safety-pin reverse; the obverse bears a soldier in 1950's-era dress 'charging' forward with his bayonetted rifle. The 'Fitness Badge' (known formally as the 'Badge of Physical Fitness') was awarded in two classes - 'silver', for exceptional performance, and 'bronze' for average performance - in the framework of a physical fitness test performed during basic training; a similar test took place again later for those in squad-leader courses and those in officer courses. The test included running and an obstacle course in full kit. Scarce in such good, clear appearance. The badge was worn on the right pocket-flap of the tunic.