In hard salmon-pink plastic, measures 7" x 5" x 3" with the lid on. The lid is decorated with Stalin's portrait in a frame of oak and laurel branches, symbols of strength and peace. Manufactured by Nizhniy Tagil Plastic Factory, maker marked on the bottom. The two ink stamps are quality control, "1 COPT" meaning the top quality rating.

In very good condition. A few minor scuffs and small stains show that the box had been put to good use but the wear is not too detractive. The top right-hand corner of the lid has a closed crack inside the plastic mass, but it is noticeable only on the inside of the lid. Most importantly, the portrait is free of any wear or damage.

Nizhniy Tagil is a large industrial center in the South Urals region. Its history goes back to Peter the Great era when iron and copper ore were discovered and production of iron, cast iron and copper began. In 1930s, chemical industry branched out of metallurgy, its main focus being phenol, the basis for plastics used in mine detonators. After the war, the assortment of product lines greatly expanded, including household items of which this box is a fine example.

Currently, the former Plastics Factory is a giant enterprise known as Uralkhimplast (Russian acronym for Urals Chemical Plastics), the largest Russian manufacturer of synthetic resins for a wide variety of applications in various industries.

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