"Great
Patriotic War"
Commemorative
Pocket Watch
These watches were issued to veterans of World War II
which the Russians call
the "Great Patriotic War".
This watch commemorates the 50th anniversary
of the end of the war.
The
front case is inscribed "Patriotic War".
The case is polished nickel-steel
and enamel.
Appropriately enough, the works are produced in Chelyabinsk
in
a factory that was lifted out of Germany
at the end of the war- lock, stock and
barrel.
The
mechanism style predates the Napoleanic Wars
with the old balance wheel escapement.
Of
course, it is guaranteed for as far as you can throw it,
provided it is not wound
too tight or used to crack walnuts.
It is just a good old-fashioned watch that
generally works.
The
obverse is struck "Great War 1941-1945".
It probably wasn't such a great
war,
but it was a great triumph over fascism.
If it weren't for the Russians,
they'd be speaking
German on the streets of Paris this very day.
Of course
the only one who killed
more people than Hitler was Stalin.
And for this they
give the fortunate survivors fifty years later
a steel watch instead of a gold
watch.
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