{"product_id":"1914-romanov-era-karelian-birch-officer-box-with-silver-enamel-badge","title":"1914 Romanov Era Karelian Birch Officer Box with Silver Enamel Badge","description":"A rare Romanov-era officer's presentation or desk box, made from solid Karelian birch and mounted with a silver and enamel badge of the 193rd Sviyazhsky Infantry Regiment.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe box is constructed from solid figured boards rather than veneer. Its remarkable Karelian birch displays a warm honey-golden colour, swirling natural grain and numerous characteristic dark \"eyes\". The lid is connected to the body by a long integral wooden hinge.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe silver and enamel mount follows the design of the officer's regimental badge officially approved on 15 April 1911. Its composition includes the dates 1711 and 1911, the Imperial double-headed eagle, the cyphers of Peter I and Nicholas II, the number 200 on a red enamel shield and the abbreviated name of the regiment.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe regiment under its final title was formed in 1910 but inherited seniority from 1711, tracing its military lineage to a Kazan garrison formation established during the reign of Peter the Great. The emblem therefore commemorates two centuries of regimental tradition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe mount differs from the conventional officer's badge intended for wear on a uniform. The wearable version had a separate cross-shaped backing plate, whereas the present silver emblem has an integral threaded post and was specifically constructed for mounting on the box.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is secured inside the lid by a large circular plate stamped:\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\"K. I. Bok\u003cbr\u003e\nMorskaya 9\u003cbr\u003e\nPetrograd\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nKarl Ivanovich Bok's firm operated from 9 Bolshaya Morskaya Street and produced Imperial military badges, orders, tokens and institutional insignia. Before 1914, its fittings were marked \"S.P.B.\" After the city was renamed in August 1914, the firm used the address \"Petrograd\".\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis inscription dates the box in its present form to approximately 1914-1917.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe box was probably intended for an officer's desk, regimental rooms or presentation as a personal military keepsake. Its dimensions and simple interior are also consistent with use as a desk cigarette box.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMeasurements: 16.8 × 8.8 × 4.7 cm.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nExcellent antique condition, with minor surface marks and natural wear consistent with age. One natural cavity is present in the timber inside the box. The concentric marks around the emblem were produced when its threaded fitting was tightened and adjusted. The silver and enamel mount is well preserved, with no significant enamel damage.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nPlease study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.\u003cbr\u003e\n","brand":"Gillers Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62882262384970,"sku":"B1810","price":7000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1066\/5351\/6106\/files\/il_fullxfull.8265377072_drwb.jpg?v=1785894505","url":"https:\/\/gillersantiques.com\/products\/1914-romanov-era-karelian-birch-officer-box-with-silver-enamel-badge","provider":"Gillers Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}