*Crimean War, c.1855–1860 Commemorative Snuff Box – 11th Hussars “Charge of the Light Brigade”, Inside Balaklava Relief – Signed Pinaeus*
A scarce bronzed brass Victorian snuff box commemorating the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava, 25 October 1854. The lid features a finely cast Victorian officer’s crown pip above a gilt numeral plate “XIH”, identifying the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert’s Own) — one of the central regiments in the charge.
The interior of the lid carries a dramatic struck relief depicting British cavalry advancing against Russian artillery, with the raised title BALAKLAVA. At the lower edge is the incuse signature “PINAIVS” — for Ludwig Pinaeus (Pnaeus) of Berlin, a medallic engraver whose Balaklava commemoratives were produced shortly after the war for officers and veteran patrons.
Button-catch lid (fully functioning) and original darkened finish throughout; a complete and entirely period-construction example.
Dating & Context: Firmly dated to c.1855–60, the first major wave of Balaklava commemoratives, when the Light Brigade’s legacy was most strongly celebrated and before Pinaeus’ short-run production ceased in the early 1860s. These pieces served as personal memorials for those closely connected with the regiment.
Historical Note: Balaklava is remembered for three iconic actions: — The Thin Red Line of the 93rd Highlanders — The Charge of the Heavy Brigade — The Charge of the Light Brigade, in which a misinterpreted order sent British cavalry into massed guns
The 11th Hussars rode at the centre of the advance, covering over a mile under continuous fire and suffering 120+ casualties from a force of about 300. The charge became immortalised by Tennyson and remains a lasting symbol of courage and discipline in the face of impossible odds.
The signed Pinaeus relief is a key indicator of authenticity and period origin. Ludwig Pinaeus (Pnaeus) was a Berlin medallic engraver active in the mid-19th century whose Balaklava scenes were produced specifically for the British officer and veteran market. His work appears only immediately after the Crimean War, reflecting the heightened national interest in the Light Brigade’s sacrifice. The presence of his original struck plaque demonstrates that this snuff box was assembled during that narrow commemorative window — making it both a genuine survivor of early Balaklava remembrance and a highly personal artefact of Victorian military heroism.
Measurements: Diameter: approx. 6.5 cm, Height: approx. 2.5 cm
*Condition* Very good original condition with honest age-related wear. Exterior with scattered rubbing to lacquer and gilt plate; hinge firm and catch functioning correctly. Interior plaque clean and sharply struck with stable patination. No structural damage or repairs, some age related dents. A highly presentable and completely original example. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
