Medal in Commemoration of the Reign of Alexander III, State Mint version, 1896 issue.

In silver; measures 27.8 mm wide. Cyrillic initials АГ ("AG") of the St. Petersburg Mint engraver Abraham Griliches to the undercut of the shoulder.

In outstanding, excellent condition. Both sides of the medallion are completely free of any wear visible to the naked eye and have only a few microscopic contact marks that are unnoticeable without magnification. The details of the bas-relief portrait and lettering are perfect and exceptionally crisp. The silver has ac

Medal in Commemoration of the Reign of Alexander III, State Mint version, 1896 issue.

In silver; measures 27.8 mm wide. Cyrillic initials АГ ("AG") of the St. Petersburg Mint engraver Abraham Griliches to the undercut of the shoulder.

In outstanding, excellent condition. Both sides of the medallion are completely free of any wear visible to the naked eye and have only a few microscopic contact marks that are unnoticeable without magnification. The details of the bas-relief portrait and lettering are perfect and exceptionally crisp. The silver has acquired a beautiful dark patina, while the original mint luster is pristine in recessed areas. The connecting link between the medal and suspension appears to be original.

To summarize, this is a perfect example of the Alexander III memorial medal - as close to being in mint condition as they come and impossible to upgrade. /Dimitri Romanov, The Orders, Medals and History of Imperial Russia, pp. 226-227, fig. 202; Mikhail Diakov, Medals of the Russian Empire, Part 6, 1881-1894, p. 182/.

Red Cross Medal for the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905.

Silver, enamel; 23.8 mm wide. As all such Red Cross medals, it is privately made and its eyelet probably has an "84" silver hallmark as well as a "Kokoshnik" hallmark. However, because of the way the medal is attached to the suspension with thread, it would be impossible to uncover the hallmarks without destroying the original thread (it also makes it impossible to weigh either of the two medals).

In outstanding, excellent condition. The enamel is perfect, retaining a very nice translucency and luster and having just a few microscopic contact marks unnoticeable to the naked eye. The distinctive herringbone pattern under the enamel is clearly visible. The medallion is completely free of the usual dings to its outer border and raised edges of the cross. The inscription on the reverse is pristine; the silver exhibits a beautiful patina matching that on the Alexander III Medal. /Dimitri Romanov, The Orders, Medals and History of Imperial Russia, pp. 240, 241; Mikhail Diakov, Medals of the Russian Empire, Part 7, 1894-1917 , p. 261/.

The medals come on a custom-made Two-Place Suspension Device in brass which is original and of the period. Beside the silver connecting links, both are affixed to the backing of the suspension with thread providing additional support; just like the connecting links, the thread appears to be of the period. The correct Order of St. Alexander Nevsky ribbons in red moiré silk are undoubtedly original and were never replaced. The ribbons are perfectly preserved: immaculately clean and free of noticeable wear; their color is strong and unfaded. The red felt backing of the suspension has a sewn-in label of the J.H. Werner workshop in Berlin: the original recipient of the medals apparently commissioned the suspension there while visiting Berlin or living there permanently at some point after 1905.

This suspension, ribbons, and workshop label in particular add a great deal of character to this medal group.
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