Russia - Imperial: A superb example of the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th Class - 19th century example in gold with dark red and black enamels.

Russia - Imperial: A superb example of the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th Class - 19th century example in gold with dark red and black enamels.

Russia - imperial: Order of St. Vladimir, 4th Class. Gold (hallmarked "56" inside the loop) 35mm x 38mm. Scarce ‘black’ variant with dark red and black enamels with fine painting on the obverse and reverse of the medallion, dated 1789. Fitted with a large oval gold suspension ring and crudely tied ribbon bow.

Condition: Nearly extremely fine and of the very finest workmanship.

The Order of StVladimir was instituted in 1782 in four classes, originally as a civil order of merit for saving life or for famine relief. During the Crimean War (1854-55) it was also awarded for military merit.