Spoils of Victory on display in Moscow museum

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Published: 06 May, 2010, 20:27

TAGS: Anniversary, Military, Russia, Europe, Prime Time Russia, War witness

The exhibition "Trophies from 1945” has opened in the Moscow Museum of Forgotten Things, displaying the items that Soviet warriors brought home along with the Victory in WWII.

At first sight, the museum might look like someone’s old store-room filled with forgotten and useless junk.

In fact, it took the museum’s curator quite a long time to make this “mess”. For many years, historian Aleksandr Seregin has been collecting bits and pieces that Soviet soldiers brought back when they defeated Nazi Germany.

“They brought back what they needed for everyday life – things that were hard to find back home,” Seregin told RT. “It was literally everything, from soap to underwear and needles. A soldier who brought back a handful of simple needles could later become a rich man.”

A common foot soldier could not bring back more than would fit into his pockets or his little bag. Therefore, the most valuable things were watches and silver spoons.

However, there was also a lot of fun stuff – for example, a toy car that a Russian soldier brought back from Berlin for his kid.

“I really like this little car, this German piece of engineering,” Seregin said. “I would give people money just so that I could keep it here for the museum.”

All in all, the exposition boasts more than 50 objects, including German porcelain, unique tapestry, a “Berlin” drill, and an old phonograph.

The money collected from the event will be distributed among veterans.