Original Soviet Metal Industrial Safety Warning Sign – STOP WORK – USSR, 1960s–1970s – Large 30 × 40 cm Impressive original Soviet metal industrial safety warning sign from the USSR, dating approximately to the 1960s–1970s. A striking example of vintage Soviet industrial graphic design, featuring a large black shovel, bold red Cyrillic lettering and a distinctive yellow background. Original Russian inscription: «ОБНАРУЖИВ НЕ УКАЗАННЫЕ В „РАЗРЕШЕНИИ“ КОММУНИКАЦИИ — ПРЕКРАТИ РАБОТУ» English translation: “If you discover underground utilities not specified in the work permit — STOP WORK!” A little Soviet industrial humour: The message is wonderfully simple: if you dig up something unexpected, stop digging immediately! After all, you never know what else you might uncover. An old electrical cable? A forgotten pipeline? Or perhaps something that should have remained buried? In the Soviet Union, excessive curiosity was not always encouraged — especially when holding a shovel! Distinctive Soviet Industrial Design This original metal sign features a powerful graphic composition combining an oversized shovel, underground pipeline imagery, heavy Cyrillic typography and strong contrasting colours. Its unmistakable visual style reflects the direct and uncompromising approach to industrial safety communication in the Soviet era. The combination of its large size, metal construction and bold graphics makes it a particularly decorative and collectible example of Soviet industrial history. Details: * Country of origin: Soviet Union (USSR) * Period: Circa 1960s–1970s * Type: Original industrial safety warning sign * Material: Metal * Dimensions: Approximately 30 × 40 cm * Language: Russian * Colours: Yellow, red and black * Condition: Excellent vintage condition The sign retains its vivid original colours, clearly legible lettering and impressive overall appearance, with minor traces of age and use consistent with its vintage character. Its generous 30 × 40 cm format makes it especially eye-catching when displayed. An excellent addition to collections of Soviet memorabilia, vintage industrial signs, Cold War artefacts, industrial antiques and historical graphic design. Also perfect as distinctive wall decoration for a workshop, garage, loft, industrial-style interior or private collection. An authentic piece of Soviet industrial history — and a reminder that sometimes the smartest thing to do with a shovel is to stop digging! Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description and show the actual condition of the item.