Table Medal in Commemoration of the Fortieth Anniversary of the October Revolution, 1957.
In dark bronze, measures 65.1 mm wide, weighs 153.2 g. The artwork in high 3-d profile is in classic Socialist Realism style of the period. The obverse represents the year of 1957: a female collective farmer holding a sheaf of wheat and a male industrial worker holding a Soviet banner. On the background, there is a familiar landscape of factories, high power lines and hydroelectric dam. The reverse depicts a 1917 Bolshevik revolution: a tightly packed group of armed workers, a sailor and a soldier, all rising up against the old rule. There is what appears to be a garden-variety communist agitator in the background but curiously, Lenin is completely missing from the picture.
The model for this very uncommon medal was jointly created by M. Voskresenskaya and M. Smirnov. The medal was struck in 1957 at the Leningrad Mint; interestingly, its circulation number is unknown - or at least it is not quoted in the otherwise very detailed reference guide Commemorative [Table] Medal of the Soviet Period, 1919 - 1991 by A. Shkurko and A. Salykov (C. 2005, Moscow). In all likelihood, the number was quite small - judging by how infrequently this medal appears on the market. It was probably issued to a select group of high-ranking Soviet officials and VIPs who attended a special event to celebrate the anniversary.
Excellent condition. The raised details are essentially pristine, free of visible wear and extremely crisp. There is beautiful even toning to the brass throughout, no blemishes. Overall, an extremely attractive example of Socialist Realism art in medal form.
/Commemorative [Table] Medal of the Soviet Period, 1919 - 1991, #129/.
Please note, the penny in our photo is for size reference.
Item# 38653
$220.00 Add to cart
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