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https://collectrussia.com/DispitemWindowOrig.htm?item=41554
Tabletop cigarette case themed "Lenin's Last Time Underground" in Melchior, circa 1940s-50s.

Measures 110 x 88 x 18 mm, the lid does not cover the entire top surface, measuring 91 x 68 mm with the hinge on its long side. Being a tabletop item, the lid does not have a latch. The artwork on the lid is after a painting depicting Lenin sitting at a camp fire near the shelter he spent a few weeks in in July of 1917. The body of the case is two-part construction, the top and bottom soldered together. The seam is hidden outside under an attractive metal band.

In excellent condition. There is practically no patina except for very little near the band covering the seam. There is little, if any, wear to the high points of the artwork. Even Lenin's facial features are quite visible. The inside shows mild and even patina and a tiny bit of oxidation at the seam.

The story behind this last Lenin's time underground is that he was hiding from the Provisional Government and their warrant for his arrest accusing him (rightfully so!) of being a German spy. He spent a few weeks living in a hut-like shelter on the bank of the river Razliv near the city of Sestroretsk not far from St. Petersburg (renamed "Petrograd" at that time). In 1928 a red granite monument was erected on the site to immortalize this moment of his biography.

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



Item# 41554

$95.00  Add to cart

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