From: rolph@dejazzd.com   
      
   I am looking to date and identify the crest on an antique Russian inkwell   
   that is part of a wooden lap desk.The lap desk itself has a calendar pasted   
   inside for the year 1883. The inkwell is painted battleship gray with a   
   silver-plated two-stage bronze lid. The outer lid is hinged and   
   spring-loaded, released by a round button on the front. The second lid, also   
   spring loaded, has a cork lining that seals off a small blown glass well   
   inside. The inner lid has a crest stamped on top.   
      
   The crest is of a two-headed eagle beneath a crown and holding a scepter in   
   its right claw (viewer's left). On the eagles chest is a shield with three   
   vertical bands instead of the traditional mounted image of St. George.   
   Beneath that is a sea serpent (?) wrapped around an anchor (Perhaps two   
   arrows of fishhooks bent in opposite directions to form an anchor). Two the   
   left are the letters, "K. K. A." and to the right are "PRIV". I am guessing   
   this is perhaps from a naval or trading vessel from the Russian-American   
   company. I would appreciate any thoughts. Rolph   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)