A Catalogue of Soviet Exceptionalism

March 19, 2023 12:00 PM AEDT
Timed Auction

303 Lots

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Smalls Auctions

Location: Sydney, Australia

Phone: +61 (0)2 9357 5492

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Welcome to Smalls Auctions Sale 209. It is with macabre interest that we watch the might of the Russian Military thwarted by the Ukrainian forces made up in large part by rag-tag patriotic volunteers. Until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 the ‘Russians’ largely had the World bluffed as to their might through a propaganda machine that extolled the virtues of a one-party state spreading the wealth of the nation across all its citizenry. Good in theory but bad in practice with avaricious officials plundering the public purse to build their dachas. One of the instruments of the propaganda war with the West was the publication the ‘Soviet Union’ a monthly pictorial published in Russian, English, Chinese, Korean, French, German and Spanish. This spread the word amongst Russia’s Communist allies as well as the major Western powers and their colonial dominions past and present. The publication began in March 1950 and through articles and hand-coloured photos illustrated the supposed superiority of the communist system over capitalism. In our Sale we have the complete year for 1950 starting with the prized No. 1 edition as well as many other early editions finishing with No.147 published in 1962. Crucially, we have the complete year for 1958 which catalogues the emerging ‘Space Race’ between the Soviets and the U. S spurred on by the launch of the ‘Sputnik’ in October 1957. The ‘Sputnik’ was a major propaganda coup for the Soviets and sparked the greatest billy-cart (box-kart) race of all-time with both nations pushing the boundaries of rudimentary technology to launch first animals and then men into space. Besides being a fascinating read, the editions of the ‘Soviet Union’ are unique time capsules of the face presented to the public of the Communist system. Another iconic item in the Sale is a rare silk brocade wall-hanging of Chairman Mao Tse Tung (Zedong). These tributes to the great leader were produced by the Da Zhong Silk-weaving Factory in Suzhou City. When finished they were badly stored on shelves in the same warehouses that housed the silkworms and so few survived without atmospheric deterioration. Perfect examples are known to sell for up to US $15,000 and while ours shows water damage it is fully intact except for a small central hole on a folding line. Definitely atmospheric and well worth a look with a pre-sale estimate of less than 10% of the value of a pristine example. However, if communism is not your cup of green tea then be assured that the Sale has over three hundred lots of collectables across a range of collecting fields. Smalls Auctions
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Conditions of Sale

VAT and taxes: The Buyer's Premium is inclusive of the Australian G(oods) & S(ervices T(ax) incurred by our service.

Shipping Terms: AUSTRALIA :

Purchases within Australia will be charged a MINIMUM SHIPPING FEE of $10.00 and will be sent by Registered Post.

Additional insurance is optional at the buyer's expense.

Larger lots may incur an additional charge.

OVERSEAS :

Overseas purchases will be charged a MINIMUM SHIPPING FEE of $35.00 and will be sent by standard International Post.

Additional insurance is optional at the buyer's expense

Larger lots may incur an additional charge.

If we are unsure of the bona fides of a successful bidder we may request identification such as a Passport Photo or Drivers's Licence that matches the Credit Card details registered with Invaluable before we despatch an item.

Both Australian and International packages are traceable in transit and may require a signature on delivery.

Buyers Premium: All purchases are subject to an all inclusive 20.0 % Buyer's Premium on the hammer price.

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