Lot 211

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Description:

Impressive 1926 Bronze Bust of Lenin, with Khrushchev Letter Re: Anniversary of Lenin's Death

An original bronze 1926 Central Committee-approved bust of Lenin, created by sculptor Sergei Merkurov. Measures 24.25" tall, 15.5" wide, and 12" deep, and weighs approximately 150 pounds (requiring 3rd party for shipping). The bust was cast from metal taken from local church bells, removed during the Bolshevik’s anti-religious campaign in 1922, which saw the destruction of thousands of churches and the deaths of tens of thousands of citizens. Sergei Merkurov (1881-1952), was a renowned sculptor and monumentalist, whose works include the three largest Stalin monuments in the country, as well as the larger statue of Lenin which resided for decades in Red Square. This particular statue was made at the Gosizdat factory in Moscow in 1926, a short time after Lenin’s death, and was and approved by the Central Committee of the USSR. On the reverse of the bust, carved in Russian, reads “GIZ Factory Moscow 1926, No. 17,” indicating it was cast in 1926 at the State Publishing House Factory based on Model 17. In fine condition, with an untouched patina. A very rare relic from the former communist country, where their leaders were idolized in impressive fashion. This piece will require third-party shipping. Included with the piece is a copy of the Expert Conclusion written by Russian Chief Curator of the State Historical Museum "The V.I. Lenin Museum" affiliate, E.D. Zadiraka, the text of which may be viewed in the attached scans.

Accompanied by a Nikita Khrushchev Typed Letter Signed, "N. Khrushchev," as First Secretary of the Communist Party of Ukraine. 1p, measuring 8" x 11.25", [Kiev], dated January 18, 1948. Typed in Russian and addressed to The Regional Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine, concerning the 24th anniversary of the death of Lenin. Signed and dated in Khrushchev's hand. The letter reads, in full (translated): "During the performance of mass political work in line with the 24th anniversary of the date of death of Vladimir Ilich Lenin, the Central Committee (CC) of the CP(b)U proposes that the resolution of the CC of the VKP(b) dated January 17, 1948, be followed, paragraphs 1, 2, 4, and 5 of which we are sending you." The letter has file holes and minor losses along the left margin which do not affect the text. Contemporary ink stamps and notations present. Light creasing, else very good. 

Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, best known by his alias Lenin (1870-1924) served as the head of government of Soviet Russia (later the Soviet Union) from 1917-1924. Under his control, Russia was governed under the Communist Party, influenced by a one-party Marxist-Leninist state. After his death, Joseph Stalin became the undisputed leader of the USSR, until his death in 1953. Nikita Khrushchev seized power in the mid-1950s and began a period of "De-Stalinization".

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

THIS PIECE WILL REQUIRE 3RD PARTY SHIPPING.

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March 3, 2021 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
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$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000