Russia, Imperial. A Naval Navigational Corps School Graduation Badge, c.1900

Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an oval laurel and oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom with a bow tie ribbon, topped by a crowned double-headed Romanov-style imperial eagle, overlaid by double anchors, in turn bearing a blue and red enameled shield with a gilt inscription of “НАВИГАЦКАЯ ШКОЛА 1701-1901 МОРСКОИ. КАД. КОРП.” (“NAVIGATIONAL SCHOOL 1701-1901 NAVAL CADET CORPS”), the reverse with a central threaded lug and period original backplate bearing silver hallmark with a assay mark of “ЛЗ”, the obverse of the wreath marked with a silver kokoshnik mark of “84” for 875 silver content, measuring 33.78 mm (w) x 46.64 mm (h), weighing 19.8 grams, with minor flecking of enamels and loss of finish evident, in overall near extremely fine condition.