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Title Cossack uniform ornament cartridges
Nationality Russian
Period c 1900
Sold

These are made from Nagant rifle cartridges, which have been silver plated, and have niello silver caps sweated onto their bases. They are the classic ornaments on the long Cossack tunic (which extended to just above the knee) and were worn in slotted pockets on either side of the chest.

The earlier examples in the 19th century were made of wood and, in some cases, were actually hollowed to contain a powder charge for the muzzle loading carbine of the day.

These examples have clearly been brought up to date with the advent of breach loading weapons and are thus fairly easy to date as being from the later era. The little loops on the end of each one would have been for running through a silver chain or some stout cotton thread to hold them all together and prevent loss.

Each one is 9.5cm long and their condition is good considering the age. However, there is some wear to the plating on two of the cases; the remaining three are in comparatively good order. All have the mark of lead soldering where the niello caps have been sweated onto the cartridges.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Militaria : Tunics : Russian : 20th Century]

testimonials

[From a vendor, rather than a buyer]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the badge and I hope you can sell it to someone who will value owning it.

I tried to sell it on eBay but they won't accept Nazi items. I then contacted several dealers via a Google search who mostly offered me £40-£50 after some haggling. Most of the other dealers tried to conceal its true value in their replies and also lacked manners which doesn't inspire confidence.

Ultimately it's about trust. I should think that most prospective sellers have done their own research and therefore know roughly what their item is worth. You were the only dealer who had the integrity to concede that my valuation was approximately correct and I respect your comment that you can't offer this as you need to make a profit. Your honest approach is greatly appreciated and I felt comfortable taking the risk in sending it to you.

Thank you for a smooth transaction

C D, UK, 01.07.2015

Chris, arrived yesterday, all is well. It is very refreshing to do business with you.

B N, USA, 11.02.2013

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