I suspect that in many ways this is a holdover from the early years after the revolution when the rejection of all things "tsarist" extended not only to things like military ranks but to awards. Orders, decorations, and medals were seen as corrupt symbols of a discredited dynasty and were bound for the dustbin of history. If an award was to be given, better it should be something of daily utility like a watch, cigarette case, pistol, or sword as oposed to a corrupt and corrupting feudal bauble; this was probably especially powrful in an era where such items of daily utility were in short supply. Even as feudal baubles were reintroduced (with gusto after 1942), the older award form continued.
In the West, and especially in the US, gold watches and plaques are given as marks of achievent since there is a republican revulsion against feudal baubles for anyone except the military and in any event such things are cheaper than giving cash.
For example, I present the cigarette case from the Lavrinovich group and the pistol plate (pistol gone) from the Karapetjan group.
In the West, and especially in the US, gold watches and plaques are given as marks of achievent since there is a republican revulsion against feudal baubles for anyone except the military and in any event such things are cheaper than giving cash.
For example, I present the cigarette case from the Lavrinovich group and the pistol plate (pistol gone) from the Karapetjan group.
