Russia, Imperial. An Orthodox Society of Palestine Decoration, II Class

Instituted June 12 1882. A silver gilt cross with a large ovular medallion, the obverse presenting the monogram of Christ encircled by the inscription THE GOD OF ZION WILL BLESS YOU AND BE WITH YOU, with a buckle at 6 o’clock, the reverse with a pebbled field sits the inscription I WILL NOT BE SILENT ON BEHALF OF ZION OR QUIET ABOUT JERUSALEM, measures 42.9mm (w) x 52.2mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 36.9 grams (inclusive of ribbon), marked on integral ring with the standard 84 silver mark and town mark, along with the Cyrillic makers mark, worn on original section of blue and red silk neck ribbon, the badge presenting minor wear, ribbon quite tattered, a scarce decoration in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society was founded on May 8, 1882 by Vasily Khitrovo. It is a scholarly organization for the study of the Middle East. In 1918, following the Russian Revolution, the society was renamed the Russian Palestine Society. This decoration is awarded in three classes.