Need help on this Cold War conflict archaeology find

[Jan]

Hu guys,

I would appreciate your help in identifying artefacts and parts from tanks and other Soviet era vehicles that were found in in our Cold War Conflict Archaeology research area in Porkkala S. Finland.

The large Soviet military base was in use between 1944 and 1956.

Best,

Jan

[Jan]

Here we go,

Find number 1.

All opinions welcome.

Best,

Jan

[Jan]

Seems I cracked this one myself The hoop is from a ZIS-5 (ЗИС-5) which was a 4x2 Soviet truck produced by the Moscow ZIS factory from 1932 to 1948 (the first one was made at the end of 1930).

[Jan]

Find number 2

A track link that i believe to be from a T-34?

Best,

Jan

[Jan]

Another question that I hope somebody knows the answer to.

Soviet twisted and broken aluminum spoons are quite common finds in the survey area. According to local people these were so called "Goodbye to the military service!" artefacts meaning that by tradition Soviet soldiers broke and threw away their spoons after having finished their military service. I was hoping someone could maybe share their thoughts about this and verify the hypothesis.

Best,

Jan

[Jan]

Another personified one with a makers mark.

Best,

Jan

[Jan]

And a few more maker marked spoon handles and other items...

Best,

Jan

[Jan]

More spoons and other stuff today although the weather was far from perfect. This years excavation season will start on May 4th 2024.

Best,

Jan

[bourguignotte]

Just amazing.
Good find and thanks for the explanation on the spoons
Best
Bruno

[Jan]

Today we kicked off the 2024 field season of our Cold War Conflict Archaeology project (2022-2030). The project excavates remains of the Soviet naval base in Porkala (1944-1956) and studies life and materiality of the inhabitants of the area in a multidisciplinary manner.

Best, Jan