Lot 376
Stalin, Joseph (1879-1953) Georgian-born Soviet military and political leader. With the forced exile of Trotsky, he became the successor of Lenin as the general secretary of the Communist Party (1922-53); he was premier of the USSR from 1941. Document Signed ("J. Stalin") in Cyrillic script, as People's Commissar of Defense, Moscow, September 13, 1941, 1 pg. folio. Rare war-date military document designated "Secret," Order #0354, issued less than three months after the German invasion. In full: "Effective '13' September, 1941 Tank Regiment of an Armored Brigade - Staff No 010/87 is being commissioned. Staff No 010/78 - Tank Regiment - IS HEREBY ABOLISHED." Boldly signed in blue pencil. Docketed on verso. Minor overall wear and toning; otherwise Fine.
Stalin's rule was marked by terrror, forced agricultural collectivization that displaced millions, and bloody purges that stripped the military of desperately-needed leadership in World War II. With the increasing paranoia of his later years, the dictator was apparently planning yet another purge when he died.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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