Gold, enamels; measures 51.7 mm in height (incl. eyelet), 48.5 mm in width; weighs 23.7 g not including the ribbon and connecting loop, 22.6 g not including the ribbon and connecting loop. The red enamel is of light shade, typical of Eduard manufacture of the period; swords are also of standard Eduard design. There is a maker mark "Eduard" on the reverse lower arm. The reverse upper arm shows the Cyrillic characters ВД ("VD"), the initials of Vera Dietwald who was the widow and heiress of the founder of the firm. The gold hallmark "56" with "Kokoshnik" is struck on the reverse side of the eyelet. Additionally, there are two Kokoshnik assay inspection hallmarks on the reverse of the two embellishments between the swallow-tale ends of the horizontal arms; two more of the same hallmarks, far more clearly struck, appear on the reverse of the hilts of both swords. Both of the latter clearly display a dot near the lady's chin, a designation of the St. Petersburg assay inspection.

The cross comes on an unmarked suspension loop in what appears to be solid gold (untested for gold content). Also included is the original neck ribbon in moiré silk, measuring approx. 42 mm in width and 23 cm in length. The ends of the ribbon are neatly sewn-in and still have the original metal attachment hook and a thread loop, exactly as worn by the original owner.

Excellent condition. The enamel is extremely well-preserved, essentially perfect. The red enamel in particular exhibits a magnificent luster and has only some microscopic contact marks that are completely invisible to the unaided eye; there are no chips, flaking or other significant wear of any kind. The green enamel on the leaves in the band has only a few tiny unfilled areas but these are apparently manufacturing imperfections, not a result of wear, and are unnoticeable without magnification at any rate. Both sides of the center medallion are perfect with the ciphers completely intact.

The gold parts are beautifully defined and crisp, including the eagles between the arms. The surfaces on the reverse of the arms are essentially pristine. Both the eagles and the swords are unquestionably original and have not been repaired or replaced. The ribbon shows age but is perfectly clean, sound and extremely attractive, adding a great deal of character to the entire ensemble.

All-in-all, a truly superb example of a high Russian military decoration of WW1 era.