The badge of the "Forest guard" for Ranger

In the Russian Empire, the forest was considered one of the most important natural resources. For the preservation of state-owned forests and protect them from felling under Peter I was established a special forest guards from their beginning equipped retired "servitors" and had a paramilitary organization. In 1826 took place the radical reform of the forest part of the device, and in 1839 formed a Corps of Rangers, consisting in the supervision of the Forest Department of the Ministry of interior. In addition to officers in the Housing consisted of state foresters and state forest Rangers. Those and other subordinate officers of the corps, in fact, was equal to the lower ranks of the army and armed with military weaponry.

In 1869, for foresters and Ranger state-owned forests was introduced lapel the official signs the"state Forester" and "state-owned forest Ranger", and the other with the State coat of arms and an appropriate inscription. The Ranger sign made from yellow metal, the Forester – white. In addition to the Treasury that a very large portion of the forests were owned by the societies (urban, rural, Cossack troops, etc.), as well as in private ownership. To protect private and public forests there was also a civilian forest guards. Presumably, it was intended for her official badges in the form of a stylized four-pointed cross with the inscription "Forest watchman" in the center. The exact date of their appearance is unknown. Judging by the appearance, in the style "à La Russe", they originated in the 1870s and existed until 1917.

Characteristic feature of insignia for a civilian, officials from private individuals is the lack of image of the State emblem. Sign vyshtampovyvajut of thin brass and sewn on the breast of coat or outerwear. There are several varieties, differing in detail. This suggests that the signs were minted in a decentralized manner, in small batches, so every instance has a collectible value. In our time the official insignia of the Russian Empire are rare. Size 120*120 mm. a Few small cracks around the perimeter. The guarantee of authenticity.