A fascinating original Soviet Space Age souvenir commemorating Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite of the Earth and one of the most important technological achievements of the 20th century. The object was created in the USSR as part of the wave of commemorative objects celebrating the beginning of the Space Age and the achievements of the Soviet space programme. At its centre is a stylised representation of Sputnik 1, mounted above a raised globe. The base is prominently marked: 4-X 1957 CCCP The inscription refers to 4 October 1957, the historic date on which Sputnik 1 was launched into orbit. Sputnik 1 and the beginning of the Space Age On 4 October 1957, the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik 1, becoming the first country to place an artificial satellite into Earth orbit. The event marked the beginning of the Space Age and fundamentally changed the history of science, technology and international competition. Sputnik's distinctive spherical form with four long antennas became one of the most recognisable icons of 20th-century technological design. This souvenir captures that instantly recognisable silhouette beautifully. MIR inscription Above the globe is the stylised Cyrillic inscription: МИР meaning "Peace" in Russian. The polished lettering contrasts beautifully with the gold-tone globe and gives the object a very characteristic Soviet-era visual identity. Construction The Sputnik satellite is represented by: a polished metal sphere, four long and extremely delicate antenna rods, stylised metal МИР lettering, a raised globe with embossed geographical detail, inscription 4-X 1957 CCCP, black circular base. The combination of gold, silver and black gives the piece an exceptionally attractive Space Age / Atomic Age aesthetic. The globe itself is richly detailed with embossed continents and decorative motifs. Period The commemorative date is 1957, although this type of Soviet souvenir was produced in the following years as the USSR celebrated the success of Sputnik and subsequent achievements in space exploration. I would date this example most appropriately to approximately: 1960s-1970s It should therefore be understood as a period Soviet commemorative object celebrating the launch of Sputnik 1, rather than as an object manufactured on the actual launch date. Condition The souvenir is preserved in very attractive vintage condition. The gold-tone globe retains a beautiful warm finish, while the polished satellite and MIR lettering remain bright and highly decorative. There are only light traces of age and handling appropriate for an original Soviet-era object. Particularly important are the four long antennas. These are extremely delicate components and remain present, giving the object its complete and characteristic Sputnik silhouette. Please study the photographs carefully, as the antennas are naturally fragile and should always be handled with care. Dimensions Approximately: 6 cm high 6 cm long A compact object, but visually very distinctive. Collector's appeal This is a wonderful small object for collectors interested in: Soviet space memorabilia, Sputnik and early space exploration, Cold War history, mid-century design, Space Age and Atomic Age objects, USSR memorabilia, scientific and technological history. It also makes an excellent display piece alongside vintage watches, instruments, aviation memorabilia or other objects associated with the technological optimism of the 1950s and 1960s. The combination of the Sputnik silhouette, MIR inscription, embossed globe and the historic date 4-X 1957 makes it immediately recognisable and highly decorative. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important and integral part of the description. You will receive exactly the object shown in the photographs. The item will be exceptionally carefully packed, with particular attention paid to protecting the four delicate antennas during transport. It will be shipped with tracking and appropriate insurance. Offered by an experienced and highly rated Catawiki seller with excellent buyer feedback. Our auctions feature carefully selected collectible objects, accurate descriptions, professional photography and exceptionally secure packaging. You can bid with confidence.