The console
A reader of our blog has sent us some photos of the chess computer he dug out at his home: made in late 1980s, this was the game to play.
Check? Mate! A Chess Computer
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Tag Archives: toys
How Much Watch? Ten Watch!
Free postcards as a marketing ploy.
In 1959, a Soviet watchmaker MashPriborInTorg had what’s now called a solid market share of all watches and clocks made in the USSR. This ugly acronym stood for Machinery and Gadget Overseas Trade, and the factory made all the famous Soviet brands of watches which could be found in every household: Polet (Flight), Slava (Glory), Raketa (Rocket), Chaika (Seagull) and more pompous names, which in reality were good sturdy reliable watches: my Granddad had his Slava for more than 20 years, and never there was a complaint! For some reason, these goofy dolls were picked to advertise the watches, and today we have found a collection of postcards picturing a good set of such dolls wearing the Soviet tributes to fine watchmaking. Enjoy!
Oleg Popov, The Sad Clown
In about six weeks this remarkable man will celebrate his 80th Birthday. Who is he? The most popular clown of the Soviet Union, also known as the Sunshine Clown, Oleg Popov is true icon of its own. Born in 1930, he had on of the toughest upbringings ever — yet he managed to become one of most recognisable people of the 20th century: he also was in Guinness Records Book for “being popular in the West and in the East”.
On top of his game. Oleg Popov in 1976.
Technological Advance of the Classic Rocking Horse
The Wooden Horse on Wheels
This mythical creature of the Soviet kids’ childhood, something between a Centaur and a bicycle, has come into being within a Soviet manufacturing industry driven by an overpowering desire to “give all the best” to children. Most brilliant minds of the Soviet scientists were working on the creation of the ideal cross-breed. The mutant was officially labeled a “Pedal Horse” and its large-volume production was finally kick-started by the end of 1950s. It became very popular quite fast as it was really exciting to own a “real” horse that could move around in the street, a horse more real than a wooden rocking horse.
An Old Curiosity Shop: The Museum of Soviet Life
Earlier this year, a unique in its peculiarity museum was opened in Novosibirsk, the Siberian capital of Russia. Privately owned, this museum offers an insight into the days long gone, yet longing to be remembered: a collection of the Soviet everyday artifacts; simple things that still matter.
Please welcome our new author Maria Yukhimenko, who has visited this place and and prepared this report exclusively for the realussr readers.
The USSR Museum: the facade.
The museum occupies a 1917 villa and is opened by appointment only. The story goes that a long time ago this building was used as an NKVD headquarters (the KGB predecessor, that is). Well, it certainly feels like it – the atmosphere is gloomy enough: dark rooms, high stud ceilings, squeaky wooden floors.
However, it turns out to have quite a bit of character…
Funtime with Soviet Playthings
Red Army models
Just like children anywhere in the world, the Soviet kids needed toys to play with. Certainly the range of toys designed and produced was an enviable one, by some standards. However, the aesthetic appearance of toys was not a priority for Soviet designers — toys had to be functional and educational. Anything beyond that, like pleasant looks, was not considered to be important and, moreover, it was seen as an unnecessary indulgence. The lack of competition from the imports due to the planned economy and severe shortages of quality products in the shops actually resulted in the very poor delivery and limited variety of toys. The Soviet parents were able to get only these kinds of toys as imported toys were literally impossible to buy.