Russia, Imperial. An Order of Saint Vladimir in Gold, IV Class, by Eduard, c. 1914

(Орден Святого Владимира). Instituted 1782 by Catherine II. A finely manufactured Gold breast badge, featuring a red enamel cross with a black enamel border around each arm, crossed swords pierce the center, the obverse central medallion presenting a black enamel field with a superimposed red and yellow enamelled curtain opening to reveal the initials SV, the reverse medallion presents a black enamel field with the inscription 22 CEHTAБPA 1782, measures 34.97mm (w) x 39.30mm (h – inclusive of integral suspension ring), weighs 11.5 grams, mark on the suspension ring denoting St. Petersburg manufacture between 1908-58, and a partial mark likely to be 56 identifying precious metals of 2 zolotniks (14Kt Gold), hallmark on suspension loop and on the reverse of each sword handle of a Kokoshnik Gold mark, maker marked on the 12 and 6 o’clock arms underneath the red enamel “BA” and “ЗДУАРАЪ” denoting Eduard-VD (Varvara Dietwald) of St. Petersburg, worn on a replacement correct ribbon, enamels fully intact, black enamel of the 6 o’clock arm has surpassed its border reaching the base of the central obverse medallion, the same effect occurs on all arms of the reverse, shows very little contact, overall in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order was founded by Catherine the Great. It was at first created as a purely civilian award and conferred upon those who served the state for at 35 years. In addition, it was conferred upon those who had assisted during emergencies, epidemics, or famine, and those who had saved others from danger. It could also be bestowed upon the clergy and to those who had made a distinguished contribution to their professions.