Enamel sign - КАБЕЛЬ - Metal
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Selected by Ashley Calvert
He has 15 years of experience trading 20th century glass and antiques.
Estimate € 120 - € 180
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Original Soviet metal industrial sign “КАБЕЛЬ” dating from 1970–1980, made in Russia, 32 × 11 cm, in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Rare Original Soviet Industrial Sign “КАБЕЛЬ” – c. 1960s–1970s – Gold-Toned Metal – Red Lettering – Humorous Double Meaning
Original piece of Soviet industrial signage, made of metal with a beautiful warm golden-toned surface and large, bright red Cyrillic lettering.
The word “КАБЕЛЬ” literally means an electrical or communications cable. But this is where the most interesting aspect appears: the word also creates a completely different association.
In Russian, the use of a very similar-sounding word literally means a male dog, while in informal speech it is used to describe a womanizer, ladies’ man, or Casanova — a man who is constantly chasing women.
The words are visually and phonetically very similar, so the inscription immediately creates an amusing play on words and a double association.
It is precisely this second meaning that makes the sign especially memorable and turns it not only into an industrial artifact from the USSR, but also into an interesting conversation piece.
The sign appears to be unused / new old stock. It has no mounting holes and no visible traces of previous installation or fastening, which is particularly unusual for this type of industrial sign.
The surface has been preserved in its natural original condition, with age-related patina and oxidation. It has not been artificially restored or altered.
100% original Soviet-period item.
The combination of the golden-toned metal background, bright saturated red lettering, aged surface and natural oxidation gives the sign a particularly expressive appearance. The natural traces of age have not been hidden and form an important part of its historical character.
Dimensions: approx. 32 × 11 cm
Lettering: large, bright red Cyrillic letters
Condition: unused vintage condition / new old stock, with natural age-related oxidation, patina and storage marks. No mounting holes and no visible traces of installation.
The photographs form an integral part of the description.
The item is sold exactly in the condition shown in the photographs.
Rare Original Soviet Industrial Sign “КАБЕЛЬ” – c. 1960s–1970s – Gold-Toned Metal – Red Lettering – Humorous Double Meaning
Original piece of Soviet industrial signage, made of metal with a beautiful warm golden-toned surface and large, bright red Cyrillic lettering.
The word “КАБЕЛЬ” literally means an electrical or communications cable. But this is where the most interesting aspect appears: the word also creates a completely different association.
In Russian, the use of a very similar-sounding word literally means a male dog, while in informal speech it is used to describe a womanizer, ladies’ man, or Casanova — a man who is constantly chasing women.
The words are visually and phonetically very similar, so the inscription immediately creates an amusing play on words and a double association.
It is precisely this second meaning that makes the sign especially memorable and turns it not only into an industrial artifact from the USSR, but also into an interesting conversation piece.
The sign appears to be unused / new old stock. It has no mounting holes and no visible traces of previous installation or fastening, which is particularly unusual for this type of industrial sign.
The surface has been preserved in its natural original condition, with age-related patina and oxidation. It has not been artificially restored or altered.
100% original Soviet-period item.
The combination of the golden-toned metal background, bright saturated red lettering, aged surface and natural oxidation gives the sign a particularly expressive appearance. The natural traces of age have not been hidden and form an important part of its historical character.
Dimensions: approx. 32 × 11 cm
Lettering: large, bright red Cyrillic letters
Condition: unused vintage condition / new old stock, with natural age-related oxidation, patina and storage marks. No mounting holes and no visible traces of installation.
The photographs form an integral part of the description.
The item is sold exactly in the condition shown in the photographs.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Russia
Material
Metal
Model
КАБЕЛЬ
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
11 cm
Width
32 cm
Depth
1 mm
Estimated period
1970-1980
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