This is another item that came in a batch today. I really like it, but I can't figure out what decade it is from or what purpose it might have had. My affinity for it is in it's simplicity and subtle quality of detail.
It is a small (~3cm x 2.5cm) pinback ornate image of the Moscow State University main building's tower (the first of the so-called "Seven Sisters" of Stalin's skyscrapers built after the GPW). There is no mint mark on it. It appears to be made of silver-plated brass.
I suppose it could have been made for tourists in the 1950s (since impressing tourists was the alleged purpose behind Stalin's drive to have the "Сталинские высотки" - "Stalin's Tall Buildings (Towers)" - built). But if that were the case, one would think that there would be some Soviet designation, at least a CCCP. But the only letters are "MGU" at the base. Since it cannot be older than 1953, I can only guess that it was possibly for undergraduate students or sold to locals. It could be post-Soviet, but the leaves and banner suggest otherwise, to me at least. :confused:
It has a type of pin attachment that I've not seen before. I'd expect the H&S on there if it was pre-91 but it certainly looks older than that to me.
??
"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.'
12-06-2009, 09:44 PM (This post was last modified: 12-10-2009, 09:13 PM by deValcourt.)
The only H&S on the building is on a large stone, shaped like a giant piece of curled parchment and is still there to this day. The 12-ton cap is simply a star surrounded on both sides by leaves. The first time I lectured there - on James Joyce's use of musical language... - I saw nothing overtly Soviet. I imagine the tappestries and portrates that hung on walls and staricases had all been changed by then.
Maybe it was just given or sold to people when it was "inagurated" on Sept. 1, 1953 that were at the celebration??
Phillip
P.S. Eric, check out the Dagestan badge I posted yesterday. I think you'll appreciate the use of color and design vs standard rhomb.
devalcourt Wrote:P.S. Eric, check out the Dagestan badge I posted yesterday. I think you'll appreciate the use of color and design vs standard rhomb.
I did see that. Very purty. :) A bit less of a standard Soviet-type design.
"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.'
devalcourt Wrote:It sure is. HMMMM... Makes me think they might be new pins made to look old.
I don't see that. Rather, it's confirmation it's a legit, albeit very minor & obscure, badge. YMMV though.
"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.'
True. I will just have to wait and see if somebody else knows anything about it or I see it somewhere else (like a book). And the other one you found is in perfect shape whereas mine has a little wear on the two far right "columns."
