This is a crossover topic for Imperial militaria and antiques, and my first post on this site.
Has anyone information concerning imperial military jubilee ceremonies; AND/OR seen or possess regimental centennial ceremonial items, such as chargers, kovshii, punch bowls, badges, etc.? These would celebrate, mostly, centennials or other jubilees of regiments, and after 1905, would usually contain references to a few of the regiment’s battles during that century.
Prof. K. Tsimbaev (holds posts in both Russia and Switzerland) wrote in 2008 an enlightening article detailing the cultural and political purposes and effects (intended and otherwise) of Nicholas II ‘s lavish Jubilee celebrations. Tsimbaev’s article: “Jubilee Mania in Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth-Century Russian Society,” Russian Studies in History, vol. 47, no. 2, Fall 2008, helped explain a curious set of silver items that have been in my family for almost a century. Unfortunately, some pieces were sold during the Great Depression of the 1930s, but those pieces that remain celebrate the centennial of the ninety-first Dvinsk Regiment (1805-1905), and commemorate decisive battles (Austerlitz in 1805; and Battle of Warsaw, 1831), and honor a Commander who served from 1890-1899.
Dr. Tsimbaev’s explains that little has been researched (or written) about these Russian jubilee ceremonies, and collectors/dealers of militaria and antiques I’ve spoken with cannot direct me to any other such regimental jubilee items appearing on the market. They tend to cluster these in with all “presentation” pieces, of which many pieces sell at auction.
I cannot find any other regimental jubilee items used at these (quasi) Orthodox religious ceremonies described by Tsimbaev, outside of a few pieces in European museums and badges (one for the Dvinsk Regiment, for the same 1905 jubilee ceremony, asking price $25,000; and one for the 171 Kobrin infantry centennial in 1911, which realized $21,600 this year in May). At the time of the Dvinsk Regiment’s ceremony, negotiations for surrender to Japan were taking place, and esprit de corps of troops was described by eye-witnesses as waning. Recalling great battles was meant to bolster spirits. (Never mind that Russia lost at Austerlitz, and the Warsaw Battle was actually the crushing of a revolt.)
It makes sense, given my family’s history, that my great-grandfather and his son would leave Russia in 1917-18 with the Dvinsk Regiment’s ceremonial items. This regiment sided with the Anarcho-Syndicalists (close in political view to Black Russians) during the Civil War following the events of 1917, and all were jailed by Kerensky, and many were executed by the Bolsheviks.
Any reactions, information much appreciated. I will figure out how to post pictures.
Kiwi
