Russia, Imperial. An Order of Saint Prince Vladimir with Swords in Gold, II Class, Military Division

(Императорский Орден Св. Равноапостольного Великого Князя Владимира). Instituted in 1782. In Gold with red and black enamels, painted insignia on the obverse centrepiece, the reverse centrepiece inscribed in Russian with the institution date "22 СЕНТЯБРЬ 1782" (September 22, 1782), weighing 10.5 grams, maker marked "ARD" (Eduard) on the arm at 6 o'clock on the reverse, indecipherable Gold quality marks and other marks evident on the reverse of the integral ring, measuring 35 mm (w) x 38.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, with loop, accompanied by a modern replacement ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Imperial Order of Saint Prince Vladimir was an Imperial Russian order established on October 3 [September 22], 1782 by Empress Catherine II, in memory of the deeds of Saint Vladimir, the Grand Prince and the Baptizer of the Kievan Rus' and was awarded in four grades.