The Czechoslovak Military Technical Academy Graduation Badge (1954) is a remarkable and rare military decoration, highly sought after by collectors due to its limited period of issuance and impressive craftsmanship. 
Historical Background
Institution: The badge was awarded to graduates of the Military Technical Academy (Czech: Vojenská Technická Akademie), an elite institution focused on advanced military technical education in Czechoslovakia.
Period of Issuance: Badges inscribed with VOJ. TECH. AKADEMIE were only issued for three years—1952, 1953, and 1954—making them exceedingly rare.
Design Evolution:
The original design from 1922 underwent significant alterations in 1948, reflecting the political shift toward communism, marked by the addition of a prominent red enamel star with a hammer and sickle motif.
Post-1954, the badge's design changed entirely, becoming smaller and less elaborate.
Physical Description
Material: Crafted from '900' purity silver, including the badge itself, the backing plate, and the spinner fastener.
Dimensions:
Badge: 67.29 mm x 53 mm (notably large and impressive).
Spinner Diameter: 15.31 mm.
Backing Plate Diameter: 34.10 mm.
Hallmarks:
Features the official Czechoslovak hallmark of a goat's head with the number 3, denoting 900/1000 silver purity.
Manufacturer's mark: ZUKOV, PRAHA XI, identifying the respected Prague-based maker.
Recipient Number: Each officially issued badge bears an impressed number on the reverse; the example here is numbered 229, adding to its authenticity.
Condition: The badge is described as being in perfect condition, with a well-preserved patina that enhances its aesthetic and historical appeal.
Significance
The badge reflects the era's political and military dynamics, showcasing the intersection of traditional military excellence and the influence of Soviet-style symbolism.
It was awarded to individuals who completed a rigorous academic and military training program, representing a significant achievement in their careers.
This badge is not only a testament to the technical and artistic expertise of its makers but also a tangible connection to Czechoslovakia's mid-20th-century military and political history. It would be a prized addition to any collection of military insignia or historical artifacts.