Antique Quest Chronicles: A Viennese Lorgnette and Military Buttons Found at Karesa Antiques Shop
Discover the fascinating story behind a luxurious Viennese silver lorgnette, British WWI military buttons, and rare Romanian royal buttons—all found during a visit to a charming antique shop in Varna.
Step into a hidden gem in Varna's historic Greek Quarter, where passion for history and antiques brings the past to life.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
The Thrill of Summer Antique Hunting
The long-awaited summer vacation is always exciting, but when you can combine it with an antique treasure hunt, the experience becomes unforgettable. The joy of blending leisurely travel with the thrill of uncovering hidden artifacts turns an ordinary trip into a true quest.
In the first episode of my Varna antique adventure, I stumbled upon rare items that fueled my enthusiasm for hunting treasures. This initial success sparked a desire to continue the journey and discover even more. That desire led me to another intriguing location, a small antique shop I noticed on my way to the beach.
Walking through Varna, a city steeped in history and charm, I felt as if my summer vacation was slowly transforming into a memorable blend of discovery and nostalgia.
The Greek Hood: A Gateway to the Past
Varna, once known as Odessos, has roots stretching back to around 600 BC when it was an ancient Greek settlement. Today, the city’s oldest and most prestigious quarter, the Greek Hood, is situated near the sea and the central beach. Its location—between the former Ottoman and Russian empires—makes it a hotspot for artifacts reflecting its neighbors’ histories.
Nestled in this historic quarter, just a short walk from the beach, I discovered Karesa Antiques Shop (49 Preslav str., Varna 9000), a hidden gem near the city center.
A Passion for History: Karesa Antiques Shop
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Run by Dr. Kuzman Atanasov, a retired medical doctor, Karesa Antiques Shop radiates a deep love for history and antiques. The shop may be small, but its carefully curated displays make it feel like stepping into a treasure chest.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
The first thing that caught my eye was a large collection of badges and military medals, meticulously arranged in an antique cabinet. These were accompanied by numismatic coins, old banknotes, silverware, militaria, antique jewelry, Orthodox icons, and paintings.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
What set this shop apart from others I’ve visited across Europe was the owner’s unparalleled knowledge of every single piece. Dr. Atanasov’s passion for history shone through in the way he lovingly explained the stories behind the items, making this visit much more than a simple shopping experience.
A Conversation to Remember
While browsing, I had the pleasure of an enriching conversation with Dr. Atanasov. He showed me rare badges and coins from Bulgarian history, each with its own fascinating story. Among them were badges from Bulgaria’s early 20th-century military campaigns and coins from the country’s tumultuous periods of empire and independence.
One badge, featured Georgi Dimitrov, the prominent communist leader of Bulgaria after World War II, symbolizing the country’s post-war political transformation during the early years of Soviet influence. Another coin reflected the Ottoman influence on Bulgarian trade centuries earlier. These pieces not only enriched my knowledge of antiques but also deepened my understanding of Bulgarian history as a whole.
Talking with Dr. Atanasov made me realize that antique shops are more than places to buy historical objects—they are places to connect with the past through the eyes of those who preserve it.
Treasures Unearthed: The Lorgnette and Buttons
Among the shop’s treasures, three items stood out to me the most:
1. A Silver Lorgnette from Vienna
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
In one of the cabinets, I spotted a luxurious silver lorgnette lying in its original box. This exquisite piece, handmade by Milkovits & Cie. in the early 1900s, was crafted in the heart of the Habsburg Empire’s capital. The company was based in the renowned Palais des Diamants on Kärntnerstrasse 21, Vienna.
The lorgnette features intricate floral engravings on its handle and retains its original silver chain. Its craftsmanship and provenance make it a remarkable piece of Austrian history. Estimated value: €170.
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2. British WWI Military Buttons
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
Nearby, I discovered a set of British military buttons from World War I, adorned with the British Royal Coat of Arms. Their condition was striking - while well-preserved, they bore signs of surface erosion. When I asked Dr. Atanasov about their wear, he explained that the buttons had been excavated from the ground, adding a layer of authenticity to their story.
The set included four buttons, one of which carried a maker’s mark, while the other three were unmarked. Dr. Atanasov noted that unmarked buttons were often used in active military campaigns where production processes had to be simplified. This detail suggested these buttons had seen action on the battlefield. Estimated value: €20–€25.
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3. Romanian Royal Buttons
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Another standout find was a set of five Romanian military buttons from the reign of King Carol I, dating back to the early 1900s. These buttons were embossed with the Steel Crown of Romania (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel_Crown_of_Romania), a national symbol crafted from steel taken from captured Turkish guns during the War of Independence (1877).
The crown represents Romania’s pride and resilience during its struggle for independence. Given their rarity and historical significance, these buttons are highly collectible. Estimated value: €20.
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A Perfect Ending to the Day
After selecting these three treasures, I asked Dr. Atanasov for a discount, and he kindly offered me a fair price for the lot. I left the shop not only with unique historical pieces but also with a sense of satisfaction from the rich conversation I had with an intelligent and passionate antique enthusiast.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
That day was a perfect blend of leisure and discovery. A peaceful walk through Varna’s green streets, a few hours soaking in the sun at the beach, and an afternoon immersed in history - it was everything I could ask for from a summer holiday.
What’s Next?
In the next episode of my Varna antique quest, I’ll tell you the story of the oldest manmade gold in the world and the antique treasures I found nearby this remarkable discovery. Until then, happy hunting!
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