Badge of the 31st Alexeyevsky Infantry Regiment 1911 Silver and enamel 37 x50 mm At the start of the 20th century many Russian regiments celebrated anniversaries. Commemorative badges were commissioned for all those serving in the regiment at the time - at first only for the officers, but then the right was extended to other ranks. The ordinary soldiers badges were more simply made. The design was produced by one of the officers in the regiment, incorporating emblems that indicated its history. The badges were then produced by well-known companies such as Kortmann, Edouard and Schubert. After the anniversary passed, the badge was as a rule approved for use by the regiment and the right to wear it extended to both former members of the regiment and those who joined later. The 31st Alexeyevsky Infantry Regiment celebrated its 180th anniversary in 1911. The basis of the badge is wreath of laurel and oak symbolizing glory and eternal remembrance of the fallen. Superimposed on this is a device consisting of the letter A and two crossed I's as a reminder that the regiment had its origins in units formed in the reign of Empress Anna Ioannovna. The badge in the Hermitage collection bears a secret locket on the reverse containing a woman's photograph, a piece of blue silk and rose petals.