Medal for Blameless Service in Police, Alexander III issue,
late version marked "AG", circa 1886-94.
In silver; measures 36.0 mm in width, weighs 24.9 grams not
including the ribbon and connecting link. This is the last
version from the Alexander III reign, featuring portrait of
the Emperor with longer beard and more muscular neck. The
undercut of the shoulder is marked with initials АГ ("AG")
of the engraver Avraam Grilikhes.
Outstanding, excellent condition. Raised details of the
bas-
relief portrait and wreath are beautifully defined and
nearly free of wear. The reverse is nearly pristine. Comes
on original St. Anne ribbon in moiré silk of regulation
15.5
cm length. The connecting link is a replacement.
This medal, originally established by Emperor Alexander II
in 1876, was consequently redesigned to show the portrait
of
the ruling monarch. It was awarded to lower ranking
policemen and firefighters who had served with distinction
for minimum of five years. The recipient would only be
allowed to wear the medal after another five years of
blameless service.
/Se Mikhail Diakov, "Medals of the Russian Empire, Part
6, 1855-1881", p. 59, fig. 925.5; also Dimitri Romanov,
"The Orders, Medals and History of Imperial Russia",
pp. 214-215/
$2,900.00 