Russia, Imperial. A Medal for Bravery of the Russo-Swedish War, c.1795

In silver, the obverse with a rightward-facing profile of Catherine II (the Great) circumscribed by name and title in Russian Cyrillic, the reverse with an inscription of “ЗА ХРАБРОСТЬ НА ВОДАХЪ ФИНСКИХЪ” (“FOR BRAVERY IN FINNISH WATERS”), above a date of “АВГУСТА 13. 1789” (“AUGUST 13 1789”), the obverse with an illegible Russian Cyrillic maker’s mark, measuring 40.38 mm in diameter, weighing 22.4 grams, age-appropriate tarnishing evident, in very fine condition.

Footnote: This decoration was commissioned by Catherine the Great for Russian naval personnel who participated in the Battle of Svenskund on 24 August 1789 (13 August on the Julian Calendar). The battle was a crushing defeat for Sweden, with 39 of the 49 ships under the command of Carl August Ehrensvärd sunk, for the loss of just two Russian vessels. 14,236 medals in total were awarded.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.