Measures approx. 14" x 11". In plaster, mounted on 1-inch-thick sheet of Styrofoam. Originally painted with silver-colored oil paint but later painted in full color, also using oil paints. Rather massive, weighs nearly 4 lbs. This version of the USSR State Emblem, with 16 scrolls representing 16 Soviet republics, existed from 1946 to 1956.

We have had very many different plaques with the Soviet State Emblem but this one is a bit of an enigma. Leaving the matter of the later-added Styrofoam backing aside (probably to safeguard the fragile plaster), let's consider the plaque.

Plaster and silver paint suggest that it was originally meant for indoor display in a government facility such as a police station or a courtroom. But then the whole cast would be round, most likely with a raised frame. The shape of this one copies the emblems riding on the side of passenger railroad cars. But then it won't be cast in plaster and, most likely, will not be painted in full color.

So, if we were to venture a guess, this plaque may have graced the foyer wall of the USSR Ministry of Transportation - either in its Moscow headquarters or in a republican branch in one of the Soviet republic capitals. The People's Commissariat of Transportation was reorganized and renamed Ministry in 1946. In 1940 the total length of the railroad track was over 106,000 km (aprox 66,000 miles), and although most of its European part was destroyed in the war together with 40% of locomotives and cars, it remained the main, and often the only, means of transporting people and goods around the vast country.

The plaque is in good condition. The plaster itself is completely intact showing no cracks, chips or scratches. There are a few small areas where the color paint has chipped off - mostly in high points and around the holes for mounting screws. However, 99% of the color paint is intact and looking fresh and shiny. The Styrofoam backing is also intact and is doing a wonderful job of safeguarding the fragile plaster.

Please note that the medal in our last photo is for size reference.