Czechoslovakia, Plaque with a Bas-Relief of Stalin, awarded for exemplary performance of duty, 1 April 1954, in original fitted presentation case.
The plaque with Stalin's bas-relief measures approx. 50 mm across, the named award plaque under it is 53 mm long. The lettering is in Slovakian, and reads "For exemplary performance of duty, on 1 April 1954, N.P. Milax." As far as we could determine, "N.P." is abbreviated Slovak "Narodny Podnik" ("National Enterprise"), whereas "Milax" could be the name of the enterprise. We found mention of a textile factory of this name, but this information is not cross-verified. Both plaques are affixed to the fitted pad and are not to be removed. The inside of the lid is lined with cham
The plaque with Stalin's bas-relief measures approx. 50 mm across, the named award plaque under it is 53 mm long. The lettering is in Slovakian, and reads "For exemplary performance of duty, on 1 April 1954, N.P. Milax." As far as we could determine, "N.P." is abbreviated Slovak "Narodny Podnik" ("National Enterprise"), whereas "Milax" could be the name of the enterprise. We found mention of a textile factory of this name, but this information is not cross-verified. Both plaques are affixed to the fitted pad and are not to be removed. The inside of the lid is lined with champagne-colored silk. The fitted pad is covered in plum-colored velvet, and has a silk tab to take it out of the case. The case is in rigid cardboard laminated with textured brown paper, and has a latch mechanism with a spring.
Stalin's profile is in finely-detailed sculpted high relief, initialed and dated by the sculptor "V.D. 49". The year is suggestive of the bas-relief having been made for Stalin's 70th birthday, which triggered an avalanche of sycophantic artwork throughout all the countries of Stalin's enormous socialist empire.
All components of this award are in excellent condition. The laminate paper of the case is slightly worn off on the bottom, not obvious or detractive. The bottom part of the case is a little warped, leaving about a millimeter of space at the front and back but the latch is in perfect working order and keeps the case closed properly.
Please note that the medal in our last photo is for size reference.
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