Measures approx. 16" x 16". The image and inscription are hammered onto a 1mm-thick sheet of tin. The inscription reads, somewhat surprisingly, "Trade should be studied, and studied seriously. N. Krupskaya". Lenin's wife, and later widow, oversaw education in the young Soviet Republic, so perhaps this sentence of hers is not all that surprising. There's a good chance that it was uttered some time in the mid-1920s when the Bolsheviks started realizing that just revolutionary songs, meetings and violence alone would not build their economy. A plaque like this was probably part of a large foyer display of party leaders and their slogans in a vocational trade school.

In very good to excellent condition. The edges show mild warping which must have occurred when the portrait was dismantled. There is very mild and attractive patina in recessed areas, actually just adding character, as well as contrast and high relief to the artwork.

Overall, this unusual item with its unexpected quote will add nicely to a collection of Soviet artifacts and memorabilia.

Rest assured that the medal in our last photo is there only for size reference.