Maternal Medallion oddity - any ideas?

Kirchgoens · 03-21-2009, 08:30 AM

I stumbled on this one today, and have no idea what it is other than the basic translation on the reverse about being "born in the Volga Lands." It's 45mm in diameter, and does not appear to be silver. It has space left for what was probably a name/date engraving. The motif oddly resembles the modern Kazakh motherhood medals, but this appears to be much older. What do you dudskies think?

***desantnik*** · 03-21-2009, 09:32 AM

I've seen a similar "gift" from other Soviet regions. I guess it was like a type of good luck thing, like in the US when they give a baby a silver baby cup or spoon - not really useful, but a memento.

Lapa · 03-21-2009, 09:47 AM

Brian,

It is actually a birth medal given to every newly born baby by the local authorities. In your case, it is from the Volga area.

The principle was the same in every region, the design might have been specific; for instance, in Leningrad, the medal was struck in aluminum, and depicted Lenin, the Aurore and the Peter and Paul fortress on the front, all covered with epoxy; on the back was written "To a newly born in Leningrad". Interestingly enough, in Leningrad, there were separate versions for boy and girl... you guessed it the tint of the epoxy (rose for G, blue for B :D) and the color of the medal wallet.

By the way, this tradition still lives, at least here in St Petersburg; we got a very nice medal with the enamelled coat of arms of the city when my son was born a few months ago.

Marc

EricFG · 03-21-2009, 09:55 AM

That's very nice, I like it!

And Marc, congratulations on your son's birth! :)

03-21-2009, 09:32 AM	#2
*desantnik* Forum Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Eurasia Posts: 2,342	Re: Maternal Medallion oddity - any ideas? I've seen a similar "gift" from other Soviet regions. I guess it was like a type of good luck thing, like in the US when they give a baby a silver baby cup or spoon - not really useful, but a memento.

03-21-2009, 09:47 AM	#3
Lapa Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: St Petersburg, Russia Age: 63 Posts: 2,397	Re: Maternal Medallion oddity - any ideas? Brian, It is actually a birth medal given to every newly born baby by the local authorities. In your case, it is from the Volga area. The principle was the same in every region, the design might have been specific; for instance, in Leningrad, the medal was struck in aluminum, and depicted Lenin, the Aurore and the Peter and Paul fortress on the front, all covered with epoxy; on the back was written "To a newly born in Leningrad". Interestingly enough, in Leningrad, there were separate versions for boy and girl... you guessed it the tint of the epoxy (rose for G, blue for B :D) and the color of the medal wallet. By the way, this tradition still lives, at least here in St Petersburg; we got a very nice medal with the enamelled coat of arms of the city when my son was born a few months ago. Marc

03-21-2009, 09:55 AM	#4
EricFG Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Naples, Florida, USA Age: 59 Posts: 1,496	Re: Maternal Medallion oddity - any ideas? That's very nice, I like it! And Marc, congratulations on your son's birth! :) __________________ "patina imparts character" - PJS A wise man said: 'you should not pay a premium for what you want beyond your comfort level, and always ensure there is a mutually agreeable return policy.'

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