Silver gilt; measures 34.7 mm in height incl. eyelet, 27.8 mm in width; weighs 13.4 g without the suspension and connecting link. The base of the eyelet has a "Kokoshnik" silver hallmark of 1908 style with the Greek character Alpha, a designation of the St. Petersburg assay inspection. Next to the silver hallmark is a Cyrillic maker mark AB ("AV").

In outstanding, excellent condition. Both sides of the medallion are essentially pristine with the exception of some minor scuffs to the raised border on the reverse. The bas-relief portrait of the emperor, florals on the reverse

Silver gilt; measures 34.7 mm in height incl. eyelet, 27.8 mm in width; weighs 13.4 g without the suspension and connecting link. The base of the eyelet has a "Kokoshnik" silver hallmark of 1908 style with the Greek character Alpha, a designation of the St. Petersburg assay inspection. Next to the silver hallmark is a Cyrillic maker mark AB ("AV").

In outstanding, excellent condition. Both sides of the medallion are essentially pristine with the exception of some minor scuffs to the raised border on the reverse. The bas-relief portrait of the emperor, florals on the reverse, raised lettering on both sides, and the recessed field are otherwise perfect and free of detectable wear. The details are exceptionally crisp. The original fire gilt finish is extremely well preserved throughout, albeit partly overtaken by the attractive silver patina.

The medal comes with the original Order of St. Anne ribbon in moiré silk folded into the traditional five-sided shape with its ends secured by thread. The ribbon is fitted with the original hook and bracket attachment, exactly as once worn by the recipient of the medal. The brass connecting link appears to be of the period as well. The ribbon shows wear near the bottom but is still clean and sound.

The medal was obviously commissioned by a recipient of the Gold Medal for Zeal and was worn in lieu of the state-issued solid-gold medal. Privately made pieces such as this are very rare, more so than the state issues by at least two orders of magnitude. The perfect example offered here represents an exceptional opportunity for the advanced Russian medal collector.
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