A plate from the cupboard Kiev Russian society of proper hunting

In the late 1890s in Russia was formed a number of hunting societies, usually called "societies of proper hunting" and also related shooting societies. In addition to officially declared, purely peaceful purposes (maintenance and promotion of the right, i.e. in full compliance with the law, hunting the way hunting, selection and breeding of hunting dogs, etc.), these companies were considered as a form of pre-conscription training of young people. One of the most frequent events of hunting and small societies, was a different sort of competition target shooting. For this reason, a significant portion of such societies belonged to the war Department, where he was the Chief of staff. The remaining companies belonged to the Ministry of agriculture and state property. A significant part of the members of the hunting societies the right at all times to officers and generals, as active duty and retired. All this fully applies to the Kiev Russian society of proper hunting, the Charter of which was approved on 20 October 1899, the Society had a special insignia worn by its members on the headdress, and while on the hunt – also on the left sleeve and on running the rifle sling. The sign had a picture of a bear's head with the inscription "Kiev Russian society of proper hunting" and date "1899". In addition, the winners of the shooting competitions were given prize silver badge in the form of two crossed hunting rifles on a silver chain. A stylized image of the same guns with the acronym "K. R. O. P. O." and decorated ware, made for canteen companies for Dulevo factory of the Association of the heirs of M. S. Kuznetsova, apparently, in the early 1900s Applied the colors as such, the company did not have, and therefore the image put dark green, the"hunting" color. Geographically, the activities of the society were confined to the province of Kiev and the city of Kiev, and therefore its population could not be large and were limited, according to our estimates, about 150 – 200 members. This plate is very rare, almost unique thing. Today it is the only known item of tableware belonging to the Russian provincial hunting societies.