Help out a Newbie! - Moscow Olympics Wooden Box

[bmjoseph]

Hello All!

I've spent pretty much all morning reading this thread as I've been hoping to get back into the Thrift Store collectable hunt routine.

About a year ago, there was an estate sale on my block. Much of the items were sports themed, but was pretty picked over by the time I made it in. I did manage to get a few books (none of which have much value, but the look good on the shelf) and this empty wooden box which seems to be from the 1980 Moscow Olympics, the olympics infamously boycotted by the US and several other countries.

I've attached some pictures. Any idea what this is or any history behind it? A cigarette box? I see one got posted on ebay recently for $170, but if anyone could provide me with some additional details, I'd greatly appreciate it! I bought it for $4 which seems to be quite the find!

 

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[debrown122]

I would try to type the words into the google translator. Should give you an idea of what might have been inside.

Looks good on the shelf as well!

 

[SusanMN]

Looks like maybe a cigar box.

 

[Argentium]

looks like you scored - I don't have any knowledge about this item - just that for $4 bucks , gotta be a deal !

 

[vpnavy]

I noticed that the rings are olympic rings - then I searched some more it appears to be related to the 1980 Olympics based on this EBay find: 1980 MOSCOW OLYMPICS Pin Olympic Rings MOCKBA-80. So, it probably held some 1980 Olympic Souvenier...

 

[Chuck In Oregon]

Moscow Olympics, for sure. My Russian is weak, but I don't think the labels tell us anything interesting, just that it was made in an artists collective, stuff like that. I don't see a reference to the contents. The bottom line of the black label is in a font that I can't read at all. Maybe it says something enlightening, I just can't tell. I think the box itself is the souvenir and not what was in it.

Chuck

 

[Limitool]

Nice pickup.... My main hobby is woodworking (and now MD'ing)... It appears the box is made of 5ply plywood. If correct... the box must have a little weight to it. That's pretty heavy stock for a box that size... Brad

 

[bmjoseph]

Thanks everyone! You all are very helpful!