1914 Russian Karelian Birch Officer’s Box With Silver Enamel Regimental Badge

A rare Russian Imperial officer’s commemorative box made from solid Karelian birch and mounted with a silver and enamel badge of the 193rd Sviyazhsky Infantry Regiment.

The box is constructed from solid boards rather than veneered timber. Its richly figured Karelian birch displays swirling grain, dark natural inclusions and numerous characteristic “eyes”, all within an attractive honey-golden surface.

The silver mount reproduces the officer’s badge officially approved on 15 April 1911. It incorporates the dates 1711 and 1911, the cyphers of Peter I and Nicholas II, the Imperial double-headed eagle, the number 200 on a red enamel shield and the abbreviated name of the regiment.

The regiment under its final title was formed in 1910 but inherited seniority from 1711, tracing its lineage to a Kazan garrison formation established during the reign of Peter the Great. The emblem therefore commemorates two centuries of regimental tradition.

Unlike the wearable officer’s badge, which had a separate cross-shaped reverse plate bearing the silver marks, this silver emblem was made specifically as a decorative mount for the box. It is secured by a central threaded post and a large circular plate stamped:

“K. I. Bok
Morskaya 9
Petrograd”

Karl Ivanovich Bok’s firm operated from 9 Bolshaya Morskaya Street. Before the city was renamed, its screw plates were marked “K. Bok / Morskaya 9 / S.P.B.” After August 1914, the wording “K. I. Bok / Morskaya 9 / Petrograd” was used.

The Petrograd inscription dates the box in its present form to approximately 1914–1917.

Measurements: 16.8 × 8.8 × 4.7 cm.

Excellent antique condition. Minor surface marks and natural signs of age and use are present. There is one natural cavity in the timber inside the box. Concentric marks around the badge were caused by tightening and adjusting the original mounting. The silver and enamel emblem is well preserved, without significant enamel damage.

Please 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.