source https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DS19590924.2.13&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN-------- TIL that during Khrushchev’s 1959 visit to the Mesla Machine Company steel plant in Pittsburgh, a worker named Kenneth Jackey handed him a cigar. Khrushchev didn’t smoke and in return, gave Jackey his wristwatch. Later, Jackey had the watch appraised for insurance and was told it was worth only $14.

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[–] XxFemboy_Stalin_420_69xX@hexbear.net 42 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (2 children)

$14 could buy a two bedroom in walking distance to public transit in 1959

[–] Edie@hexbear.net 31 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

$14 in 1959 is equivalent to about $152 today.

(This is assuming the $14 worth was 1959 and isn't already adjusted)

[–] alexei_1917@hexbear.net 4 points 3 days ago

So it was a nice watch, but not stupidly ostentatious. That's about what I'd expect from a socialist head of state, tbh. Not enriching himself at the cost of his people, but still wearing decently nice things when traveling out of country on official business, because that's the geopolitical game when capitalist nations are involved.

[–] CloutAtlas@hexbear.net 27 points 3 days ago (1 children)

A nickel will buy you a steak and kidney pie, a cup of coffee, a slice of cheesecake and a newsreel, with enough change left over to ride the trolley from Battery park to the polo grounds.

[–] XxFemboy_Stalin_420_69xX@hexbear.net 11 points 3 days ago

never forget what they took from us