Russia, Imperial. A St. George Cross, IV Class, c.1913

Instituted in 1807. In silver, reverse impressed "No 39" on the right arm and "344" on the left arm (No 39344), measuring 34 mm (w) x 40.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, contact marks, better than very fine.

Footnote: The St. George Cross was established in a February 1807 decree of Emperor Alexander I, intended as a reward for "undaunted courage" by the lower ranks (soldiers, sailors and NCOs) of the military. On September 10, 1916, the Highest Council of Ministers approved a change to the St George Cross, removing the gold and silver from its making. They began to mint crosses made of "yellow metal" (JM) and of "white metal" (BM). The numbering on the IV Class crosses from the period 1913-1915 range from 1 to 999999.