Presentation Plaque to an NKVD Officer in commemoration of 20th anniversary of VChK - OGPU - NKVD, 1937.
In nickel-plated brass on the obverse, measures approx. 5 ½" x 2 ¼". The plaque bears an engraved dedication to Comrade Motikov, an officer of the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs, for active service in NKVD in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of VChK - OGPU - NKVD. The dedication comes from the workers of the non-ferrous metals factory in the city of Kolchugino, then Ivanovo Region (currently Vladimir Region).
The four mounting holes suggest that the plaque was originally the centerpiece of some desktop-standing item.
The Kolchugino factory is widely known to
In nickel-plated brass on the obverse, measures approx. 5 ½" x 2 ¼". The plaque bears an engraved dedication to Comrade Motikov, an officer of the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs, for active service in NKVD in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of VChK - OGPU - NKVD. The dedication comes from the workers of the non-ferrous metals factory in the city of Kolchugino, then Ivanovo Region (currently Vladimir Region).
The four mounting holes suggest that the plaque was originally the centerpiece of some desktop-standing item.
The Kolchugino factory is widely known to collectors of podstakanniki, the famous Russian glass holders, an integral part of the Russian tea ceremony. This explains the choice of metal for the plaque. It also explains another important thing: it was "healthy" to have a friend in NKVD in 1937, even though Comrade Motikov could easily respond to the gift by throwing the presenters behind bars for "squandering the people's property", since it is unthinkable that the metal for the plaque had been officially purchased by them.
The plaque is in very good condition. The nickel plating is all in place and shows just minor scratches. The original nickel luster is all there with the exception of a mysterious small area in the center where it is scuffed and shows multiple tiny scratches, evidently made via some repeated action. It is quite baffling what that action could be.
Please note that the penny in our photo is for size reference.
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