Badge in Commemoration of the Centennial of the Cavalry Officer School, 1909.

Brass gilt, silver plating, enamels; measures 52.2 x 36.5 mm; weighs 18.1 g without screw plate. Two-piece construction: the centerpiece consisting of crossed swords and cyphers of Emperors Alexander I and Nicholas II is a separate part superimposed on heart-shaped backing with Imperial eagle on top and wreath in the lower part. The raised inscription in three scrolls bordering the black enameled portion reads: УЧЕБНЫЙ КАВАЛЕРIЙСКИЙ ЭСКАДРОН - ОБРАЗЦОВЫЙ КАВАЛЕРIЙСКИЙ ПОЛК - ОФИЦЕРСКАЯ КАВАЛЕРIЙСК. ШКОЛА ("Cavalry Training Squadron" / "Model Cavalry Regiment" / "Cavalry Officer School". The eagle bears Maltese cross in white enamel and red shield with monogram of Emperor Paul I.

The badge is in excellent condition. The enamel is perfect; the raised portions of the badge show practically no wear. The fire gilt and silver finishes are completely intact. The screw post is 17 mm long, has not been shortened. The attachment wires are intact and perfectly tight. The original screw plate is missing, replaced with a nut which fits the screw perfectly and can serve as a temporary "placeholder".

The school's origin dates back to the creation of the Cavalry Training Squadron in 1809. In 1834, it merged into the Model Cavalry Regiment organized in 1826. In 1882, the regiment was renamed the Cavalry Officer School. Like many other military academies, the school had its own standard graduation badge worn by all alumni that was established in 1898 (the badge with letters ОКШ). The 1909 Jubilee badge however was issued far more selectively. Judging by the similar anniversary badges of other military academies of the period, the right to wear it was probably given exclusively to the school staff and possibly some of its current students. The Cavalry Officer School Centennial badge is exceptionally rare. /An example by a different maker is shown on Page 32 of the "Badges of Russia" (Vol. 1) by Patrikeev and Bojnovich (Fig. 1.1.45)/

Please note, penny in our photo is for size reference.


$1,500.00