In gold and enamels, measures 39.2 mm in height (incl. eyelet); 35.3 mm in width; weighs 10.9 g not including the connecting loop. Marked Эдуард ("Eduard") on the reverse lower arm (the name of the firm is lightly struck but nevertheless legible); the reverse upper arm shows initials ВД ("VD" for Vera Dietwald, the widow and heiress of the original owner of the firm Eduard Dietwald). On the reverse of both sword hilts, there are very clearly struck round Kokoshnik hallmarks featuring a dot under the lady's chin, the designation of th

In gold and enamels, measures 39.2 mm in height (incl. eyelet); 35.3 mm in width; weighs 10.9 g not including the connecting loop. Marked Эдуард ("Eduard") on the reverse lower arm (the name of the firm is lightly struck but nevertheless legible); the reverse upper arm shows initials ВД ("VD" for Vera Dietwald, the widow and heiress of the original owner of the firm Eduard Dietwald). On the reverse of both sword hilts, there are very clearly struck round Kokoshnik hallmarks featuring a dot under the lady's chin, the designation of the St. Petersburg assay inspection. The usual "56" gold hallmark with Kokoshnik on the eyelet, albeit present, is partly worn out by the friction with the suspension loop; only its vague outline and a part of the digit "6" are still recognizable (this is not uncommon for the orders from the period and the St. Vladimir in particular.) The golden suspension loop which is believed to be original to the badge also has a round "Kokoshnik" assay inspection hallmark.

Condition is excellent throughout, which is quite rare for a military decoration of WW1 era. The red enamel on the arms in particular is exceptionally well preserved and free of the typical chips, flaking or significant rubbing; there are some minuscule contact marks, all of them either completely or nearly unnoticeable to the naked eye. The center medallion on both sides is essentially pristine, with the enamel and artwork perfect and intact. The swords are of standard Eduard manufacture and have not been added later or repaired as is often the case. Both swords are tightly attached.

This piece is a classic WWI Order of St. Vladimir for combat, an official issue commissioned by the Kapitul (Chancellery) of Russian Orders as opposed to those made privately. It is almost certainly an award from the early years of the Great War. To reiterate, it is a truly superb example - far better preserved than most other surviving Imperial Russian military awards of the period.
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