Re the Guard "box", and somewhat O/T: Each time I see a representation of the Tsarist black/white chevron "Guard Box," I am reminded of a pecular instance which I experienced a few years back on one of my trips "off the beaten path" passing one of the numerous (but VERY widely-spaced) villages in rural Russia. Lo, and behold, out of nowhere, in passing a group of two or three houses, there near the edge of the road was a FULL-SIZED black/white chevroned guard box! It did not apparently contain anyone or anything (such as a fruit/vegetable stand), did not serve a "gated community," etc. It was simply just THERE ! I feel certain that it was a reproduction, but to/for what effect, I don't know. Perhaps it was someone's "whimsey." (I don't recall anyone remarking that the particular spot was significant historically, etc.) It had no wording/advertisement, etc. I regret that I did not react in time to photograph it, but we continued along. Regards, AP.
