Gold, enamels; measures 52.9 mm in height (incl. eyelet), 49.0 mm in width; weighs 20.4 g not including the jump loop, 21.5 g with the loop. The red enamel is of relatively light shade, typical of Eduard manufacture. There is a maker mark "Eduard" on the reverse lower arm, struck upside down as is occasionally the case. The reverse upper arm shows initials ВД ("VD" for Vera Dietwald, the widow and heiress of the original owner of the firm). The reverse side of the eyelet has a clearly struck gold hallmark "56" with "Kokoshnik" and a Greek character Alpha, the design

Gold, enamels; measures 52.9 mm in height (incl. eyelet), 49.0 mm in width; weighs 20.4 g not including the jump loop, 21.5 g with the loop. The red enamel is of relatively light shade, typical of Eduard manufacture. There is a maker mark "Eduard" on the reverse lower arm, struck upside down as is occasionally the case. The reverse upper arm shows initials ВД ("VD" for Vera Dietwald, the widow and heiress of the original owner of the firm). The reverse side of the eyelet has a clearly struck gold hallmark "56" with "Kokoshnik" and a Greek character Alpha, the designation of the St. Petersburg assay inspection. Additionally, there are Kokoshnik assay inspection hallmarks on the reverse of the embellishments between the swallow-tail ends of the horizontal arms. The cross comes on the original suspension loop in gold showing a matching Kokoshnik hallmark. Also included is an approx. 15 cm long, 3.8 cem wide piece of original neck ribbon in moiré silk

In very fine to excellent condition. The enamel shows a magnificent luster throughout and is overall very well-preserved. The red enamel in particular shows beautiful luster and shows only some miniscule contact marks that are barely noticeable to the unaided eye; there are no chips, flaking or other significant wear. The green enamel on the leaves in the band has only a few tiny unfilled areas but these are invisible without magnification and are apparently manufacturing imperfections rather than the result of wear. The obverse of the center medallion with the cipher is perfect; its reverse has a tiny hairline that is not too conspicuous and does not threaten the integrity of the medallion.

The gold parts are beautifully defined and crisp, including the eagles between the arms. The surfaces on the reverse of the arms show just a minimal amount of rubbing, no significant scratches or dings. The eagles between the arms are unquestionably original and have not been repaired or replaced. The ribbon is in superb condition, perfectly sound, clean and with vibrant colors.

All-in-all, this is a very attractive example of a high Russian civil decoration of WWI era.
$2,250.00  Add to cart