Crafted Across Generations. Forged for Eternity.
A chronicle of three generations in the medallic arts, hardened steel die-sinking, and sovereign regalia — from the imperial court artisan of Tsar Nicholas II and the historic Nahalat Binyamin foundry, to national leadership in crafting IDF insignia, state citations, and presidential suites.
From Hand-Engraver to Tsar Nicholas II to Jaffa Port
The atelier's origins take root in 1896 with the birth of the founding patriarch, Gershon Chachovoy, in the Crimean peninsula. From early youth, his extraordinary aptitude for miniature sculpture, medallic bas-reliefs, and metalcraft distinguished him across the empire. His renown grew until he became the first Jewish artisan admitted into the imperial court of Tsar Nicholas II in Russia, specializing in hand-carving sovereign seals and precision tool-steel dies.
Amidst the turmoil of the 1917 revolution and Russian Civil War, as dark clouds gathered over the old empire, Gershon fled with his wife Dina (née Zeitlin) to neighboring Finland. From there, they navigated a perilous journey to Constantinople, where they stayed three years, until boarding an immigrant vessel that brought them to Jaffa Port in 1920. Driven by relentless energy and vision, Gershon immediately sought his livelihood in the burgeoning city of Tel Aviv, crafting delicate custom metalworks for the city's civic leaders.
The Historic Foundry at 63 Nahalat Binyamin & Underground Badges
Gershon established his first workshop on Lilienblum Street, later relocating to Herzl 10. As commissions grew, the foundry permanently rooted itself at its legendary address: 63 Nahalat Binyamin Street in Tel Aviv — a historic landmark meticulously preserved to this day. Gershon became the premier die-sinker and medallion maker in the city, producing bronze signage, athletic medals, and youth emblems.
Historic Foundry — 63 Nahalat Binyamin St.
Historical façade showing original artisan signage ('גרשון צחובוי G.ZCEHOVOY') beneath the Pre-State Recruitment Bureau, where local recruits gathered.
Beginning in 1933, Gershon became the official regalia and jewel craftsman for the Freemasons in Mandatory Palestine. During the clandestine struggle for Israeli statehood, the workshop operated under absolute secrecy, hand-cutting the original hardened steel dies used to strike the underground insignias of the Palmach, Etzel, and Lehi — historic artifacts revered today as priceless treasures of national defense heritage.
The Jewish Brigade in WWII, Michael's Return & Early IDF Insignia
In 1923, Dina and Gershon welcomed their eldest son, Michael. Upon the outbreak of World War II, Michael volunteered for the British Army and served with the Jewish Brigade Group on the European front (1944–1946). He fought through Italy, proudly bearing the Brigade's Star of David insignia upon his uniform and beret, while assisting in the rescue of surviving refugees.
Michael Chachovoy — The Jewish Brigade
Michael Chachovoy (Gershon's eldest son) in British Army Jewish Brigade uniform with cap insignia, prior to returning in 1946 to lead the atelier.
Following the war in 1946, Michael returned home to join the Nahalat Binyamin foundry alongside his brother Yaakov. Michael, who later became one of the founders of 'Beit HaTotchan', elevated the family business by uniting light manufacturing with fine metalcraft, striking early IDF battalion insignia, rank crests, state medals, and military citations for the infant state's defense apparatus.
Dror Chachovoy — The Independent Mint, Masonic Heritage & Defense Prestige
Gershon's grandson, Dror Chachovoy, was raised amidst the scent of steel dies and molten metallurgy, drawing inspiration from his late father Michael. In 1982/1985, he formally entered the family works, mastering classical numismatic secrets: heavy hydraulic metal flow, steel die hardening, and zero-line hand-stoning. In 1997, he established 'Mitbaa' as an independent haute atelier combining cutting-edge engineering with three generations of jeweler's discipline.
Continuing his ancestral path, Dror joined the Freemasons in 1992, consecrated into Lodge Olumim where he progressed through all degrees, serving as Lodge President (Past Master) for two years and in senior dignitary roles within the Grand Lodge of the State of Israel. Today, Dror provides masonic brethren worldwide with premier regalia and jewels, serves as official manufacturer for Rotary International, and leads classified and ceremonial insignia projects for the IDF, Ministry of Defense, Rafael, and the Israel Police.
Forge an Heirloom for Generations
Commissioning a regimental badge, sovereign medal, jubilation medallion, or custom corporate awards? Our master artisans guide your vision from concept to ceremonial presentation.