Podium banner in commemoration of 6 orders awarded to VLKSM, circa late-1960s.
In silk, with fringe on 3 sides, measures approx. 5' x 3' (58" x 33", to be more precise). One sided, lots of artwork covering almost the entire surface of the obverse. The top half shows Lenin's profile, the USSR State Emblem flanked by 2 quotes: by Lenin's definition of Komsomol's mission, and by Kalinin praising Komsomol for its achievements. The logo connecting Lenin's portrait on the left with the images of the Palace of Congresses and the Spasskaya Clock Tower of the Moscow Kremlin reads "Glory to Leninist Komsomol!" The bottom part presents images of each of the six orders which were awarded to VLKSM and short captions below the image detailing the name of the order, the year of award, and the achievement it was awarded for. The banner is rather unusual in that it has its top edge fringe-free, clearly designed as a podium banner or a backdrop-mounted centerpiece. Usually, propaganda flags and banners are horizontally oriented but have one of their vertical sides free of fringe where they are mounted onto a flagpole.
In very good condition. The graphics and lettering are stenciled on the silk and show minor cracks and mild paint loss. The golden paint is very slightly faded, if at all. All the graphics and text are clearly recognizable and viewable even from a close distance. The fringe is all in place and retains most of its original luster. The banner has been pinned to a backdrop at some point, which left tiny holes along the top edge as well as a small rip at the top left corner. This damage is not very obvious and not too detractive. There is no significant soiling, however we should mention a couple of small white paint stains as well as a few really small darker ones. The stains were most likely left when the banner was being mounted onto its backdrop and the whole space was decorated and painted. This kind of work was rarely done by professionals in the Soviet Union, and it often shows. The reverse has no artwork or lettering. The stenciled paint has slightly warped the silk but this is obviously not important on a one-sided flag and not too visible to begin with.
VLKSM received its 6th and last order, Order of October Revolution, in 1968, so this banner was probably made in that year to commemorate the new order.
Please note that the yardstick in our photo is for size reference only.
Item# 40472
$175.00 Add to cart
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