Original 1983 Soviet Military Poster – “Armored Shield of the Motherland!” – Artist V. Feklyaev – Plakat Moscow

An original 1983 Soviet military propaganda poster published by Издательство «Плакат» (Plakat Publishing House), Moscow, and designed by Vladimir Feklyaev (В. Фекляев, 1947–2010) — a contributor to the state’s central propaganda print institution known for bold graphic imagery that defined the visual language of the late USSR.

The composition is dominated by a sharp diagonal column of T-72 Main Battle Tanks, their barrels pointed toward the horizon in a display of synchronised strength. A massive waving red banner emblazoned with the golden hammer, sickle, and star rises above them. The low-angle “hero” perspective makes the column feel infinite and unstoppable — a classic trope of Soviet Socialist Realism designed to evoke patriotic awe and confidence in the modernised Red Army. The headline reads: «БРОНЕВОЙ ЩИТ РОДИНЫ!» — Armored Shield of the Motherland!

Published in 1983 — the same year R.Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative and Cold War tensions reached a post-Cuban-Crisis peak — this poster was produced for mass display across the Soviet Union. The T-72, then the backbone of the Warsaw Pact armoured forces, was more than a weapon: it was a symbol of impenetrable national defence and industrial prowess, and Feklyaev’s composition makes that symbolism unmistakable.

Authenticity

100% Guaranteed Original Vintage Poster — not a modern reprint or reproduction.

Artist: Vladimir Feklyaev (В. Фекляев), 1947–2010
Year: 1983 (approved for print: 3 May 1983)
Publisher: Издательство «Плакат» (Plakat Publishing House), Moscow
Printed in: Dnepropetrovsk, Ukrainian SSR
Origin: USSR (Soviet Union)
Language: Russian
Print Run: 63,000 copies
Medium: Offset lithograph on paper
Size: 43 × 55 cm (16.9 × 21.7 in)

Condition

Overall: Good (Vintage Grade)

Wear: Light horizontal handling creases and vertical fold lines, not detracting from the central imagery. Edges show light wear and minor creasing consistent with age. Visible pinholes in the top corners from original display. Small piece of archival tape on the bottom right edge of the verso.

Details: Colours remain remarkably vibrant with minimal fading. Verso clean with some age-related toning.

This is an authentic vintage item. Please review the high-resolution photographs for a full and accurate representation. What you see is what you receive.

Shipping & Packaging

We handle historic paper with the utmost care to ensure it arrives immaculate.

Handling: Dispatched within 1–3 business days from our Sarajevo studio
Packaging: Rolled in acid-free tissue paper and shipped in a heavy-duty reinforced mailing tube — no folding, no creasing, no edge damage
Tracking: Fully tracked from our studio to your door
Standard delivery: Registered post (BH Pošta), arriving in 1–4 weeks
Express delivery: DHL Express available at checkout — delivery in 2–5 business days

International buyers are responsible for any applicable customs fees or import taxes.

Framing

Professional custom framing is available for this piece upon request. Contact us before checkout to discuss options and tailored pricing.