Chaika ("Seagull") desktop organizer set for pen and notes, circa 1970s-80s.
Measures approx. 10" long x 3" wide x 4" tall. The original manufacturer's paper tag is still affixed to the bottom. The pen is missing.
The set depicts a stylized sailboat and is decorated with two images associated with the Dnieper river: the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Station and the group of Cossacks writing a letter to the Turkish sultan, in silver-coated plastic. The Cossacks part of the decoration loosely recreates the famous 19th century painting by Ilya Repin. The latter is based on the legend of the 2nd Russo-Turkish War of 1672 - 1681 whereby Sultan Makhmud IV had sent
Measures approx. 10" long x 3" wide x 4" tall. The original manufacturer's paper tag is still affixed to the bottom. The pen is missing.
The set depicts a stylized sailboat and is decorated with two images associated with the Dnieper river: the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Station and the group of Cossacks writing a letter to the Turkish sultan, in silver-coated plastic. The Cossacks part of the decoration loosely recreates the famous 19th century painting by Ilya Repin. The latter is based on the legend of the 2nd Russo-Turkish War of 1672 - 1681 whereby Sultan Makhmud IV had sent an insultingly condescending letter to the Dnieper Cossacks ordering them to immediately surrender. In reply, the Cossacks gathered and put together their reply in very ironic and absolutely unprintable terms.
Chaika in this context is one of the rather large boats with oars and a sail used by Cossacks in the 16th-17th centuries. A Chaika fit up to 70 people with weapons (including up to four 30mm cannons) and supplies. Their ingenious design made them fast, reliable, and capable of long journeys.
In good condition. The plastic has acquired mild scuffs, mostly on the high points of the artwork, and scratches that are not too intrusive to the eye, and not very detractive.
Please note that the pen in our photo is for size reference. Unfortunately, the original pen that was part of this set is missing. Fortunately, any pen or pencil can be kept in the pen holder hole, for convenience and to complete the original design.
$40.00 Add to cart