Moscow Radio QSL Card (not authenticated)

This rectangular paper artifact appears to be a vintage QSL card or verification postcard from Moscow Radio, commonly used during the mid-20th century to confirm shortwave radio reception reports from listeners worldwide. The physical object is printed on cardstock with a glossy or semi-gloss finish on the front surface. The primary color palette consists of deep teal and turquoise tones on the outer background, contrasted with a central cream-colored panel. The background features a concentric wave or radio signal pattern emanating from a circular disc, creating a modernist optical effect. The central cream-colored block contains a prominent metallic gold rectangular inset bearing a red circular logo that incorporates radiating arched lines, a central spire resembling the Ostankino or Shukhov tower, and a small five-pointed star at its base. Below this logo, bold red Cyrillic text is clearly printed in capital letters, reading 'МОСКВА' on the first line and 'РАДИО' on the second. The entire central design is framed by stylized gold linework suggesting a radio receiver or architectural antenna structure. Visible condition issues include minor surface dust, slight edge wear along the top and left borders, and a tiny dark speck near the top right. The overall aesthetic is consistent with Soviet-era graphic design and propaganda art from the mid-1900s, specifically the Cold War era of international shortwave broadcasting. The attribution in the name rests on the clearly legible Cyrillic text and official radio tower iconography printed directly on the face of the card.

Based on what I can see in the provided image, this rectangular paper artifact appears to be a vintage QSL card from Moscow Radio, displaying characteristic Soviet-era modernist graphic design elements including a deep teal background, concentric wave patterns, and the prominent Cyrillic 'МОСКВА РАДИО' text alongside iconic tower iconography. I cannot verify from a photo whether the paper stock, inks, or cardstock aging are historically accurate, as modern reproductions of Cold War propaganda and shortwave ephemera are common. Physical inspection would be needed to evaluate paper texture, printing technique, and edge wear to assess the likelihood of period production. The value estimate of $30 to $60 assumes the working hypothesis that this is a genuine mid-20th-century vintage card, supported by the observed minor edge wear, surface dust, and small speck near the right border. Demand for vintage radio ephemera and Soviet propaganda items is driven by niche collectors of shortwave history and Cold War memorabilia, where typical market behavior sees clean examples trade within a modest price range. If physical examination reveals this piece to be a modern reproduction, replica, or copy rather than a period artifact, the value would decrease significantly, likely dropping to nominal novelty value of $5 to $15. To move beyond a working hypothesis, authentication would require in-person examination by a paper ephemera specialist, comparison of printing matrices with known reference archives, and potential microscopic analysis of the inks and cardstock.