Soviet Melnitsa Travel Checkers Game Set

A compact Soviet travel checkers set called "Мельница" (Melnitsa, meaning "Mill" or "Nine Men's Morris") in a cream plastic hinged case. The lid features a faded paper label with red and olive dots framing the title. Inside, a printed checkerboard with green border holds wooden playing pieces in cheerful red and yellow with concentric circle designs. The board is labeled A through H along the edges.

Board games were staples of Soviet leisure culture, with compact travel versions designed for long train journeys across the vast USSR. Despite the "Melnitsa" name (which typically refers to a different ancient strategy game), this set contains standard checkers pieces. The mismatched naming was common in Soviet game production, where factories often reused packaging across different game types.

Fair to good vintage condition. Case shows significant yellowing and staining on lid label. Hinge intact and functional. Board has wear marks and some dirt. Wooden pieces show paint chips and wear. Complete set of playing pieces included.