1979 CSAD Usti nad Labem Bus Coach Anniversary 3D Pins Product Description : 1979 CSAD Usti nad Labem Bus Coach Anniversary 3D Pins I have decided to list my large collection of Czechoslovak bus pin badgesI have been collecting them for about 6 years and need to downsize.I don't have duplicates of these collectable pins, so get them while you can ! A pretty pair of souvenir pin badges from CSAD in Usti nad Labem in former Czechoslovakia. The badge faces are 2cm high, made from a gold coloured metal and have a stick pin fastener to the rear. The CSAD logo has been made to stand out from the rest of the badge and gives a very pretty 3D effect and the city of Usti nad Labem is detailed above.At the foot of the badges are laurel leaves and the number 30 which is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the company.The badges date from the 1979 30th anniversary of CSAD Usti nad Labem.CSAD (Ceskoslovenska statni automobilova doprava) or in English (The Czechoslovak State Automotive Transport Company) was formed on the 9th of May 1948 as a result of the communist party electoral triumph in Czechoslovakia.Privately owned bus and coach companies that were looking forward to a period of prosperity after WW2 had all their offices and vehicles seized in the name of socialism but it wasn't until around the end of 1949 that all of these private companies had been integrated into CSAD. Hence most of the CSAD regional companies count their inaugural year as 1949, which you can see on the anniversary pins.From 1952 there were 19 regional companies, all part of the nationalised CSAD and two CSAD headquarters. One in Prague and one in BratislavaFrom 1957 the government saw a need for separate divisions called CSAD KNV (krajske narodni vybory) or regional committees that were authorised to manage regional timetables and maintain and repair the vehicles requiring less involvement of the two head offices.Around this time there was also a seperate division of CSAD formed to regulate freight transport.CSAD itself was styled into an effective and comprehensive countrywide transport system with a real emphasis on serving the people.State wide uniform pricing systems were introduced with discount schemes for the elderly and young. Bus stops and signage were standardised and towards the end of the 1950s the Skoda 706 RTO was introduced countrywide which added a new dimension of luxury to public transport. The Skoda 706 having won numerous design awards at the prestigious Brussels Expo'58.In the late 1970's Karosa buses were introduced to replace the ageing Skoda 706s, these were manufactured in Hungary and were more functional than those award winning designs of the 1950's which reflected the state of socialism at this time. The karosa made buses are still in limited service today, but most have been replaced with Mercedes manufactured coaches.The Czech bus service is still very effective to this day although the state run CSAD has since been broken up again into regional parts since the fall of the communist state. Some companies still use the CSAD logo, though the majority have chosen not to as it is a reminder of socialism.There is a excellent pictoral history of CSAD in Czechoslovakia on the citybus website.Below is the classic Skoda 706 RTO with Prague's famous Charles bridge in the background. Note the CSAD logo under the central passenger window Postage and Packing : The item will be sent by airmail from The Czech Republic. Please allow 3-4 days delivery time to Europe and up to 7 days worldwide. I can always combine purchases to save your postage charges.Enamel Pin Badge(s)$3.99 Payment Methods : I prefer payment by Paypal Direct Bank Transfer - details available on request No personal checks please. Warranty Terms :This pin is in the condition described above and as photographed. If you are in any way dissatisfied I will happily discuss any problems you have via email. I always strive to provide an excellent service.
