In silver; measures 34.3 mm in height incl. eyelet, 28.6 mm in width; weighs 11.8 grams not including the suspension and connecting link. Shows raised profile of Emperor Alexander I with the inscription on the reverse: "For the Capture of Paris 19 March 1814".

In outstanding, excellent condition. The medal shows practically none of the usual wear, there are only a few microscopic contact marks, all completely unnoticeable to the naked eye. The raised details of the bas-relief are absolutely pristine and exceptionally crisp. The lettering on the reverse is likewise perfect.

In silver; measures 34.3 mm in height incl. eyelet, 28.6 mm in width; weighs 11.8 grams not including the suspension and connecting link. Shows raised profile of Emperor Alexander I with the inscription on the reverse: "For the Capture of Paris 19 March 1814".

In outstanding, excellent condition. The medal shows practically none of the usual wear, there are only a few microscopic contact marks, all completely unnoticeable to the naked eye. The raised details of the bas-relief are absolutely pristine and exceptionally crisp. The lettering on the reverse is likewise perfect. The raised edge has a couple of minuscule dings but is free of bumps or significant knocks. There is very attractive dark toning to silver throughout, while the original mint luster is still clearly visible on recessed areas on both sides.

The medal comes with an original St. Andrew / St George ribbon in silk moiré of early XIX C. era (this ribbon is distinctly different from the imperial Russian ribbons made in the later part of the century: note for example the orange tint of the stripes on the St. George side and the very light shade of blue of the St. Andrew part.) The ribbon is folded into a traditional fife-sided shape and secured on the ends with thread. Included is also a connecting link in silver which appears to be of the period.

This is a truly superb example of the Capture of Paris Medal, certainly the best we have handled in at least 7-8 years. In our opinion, it would be practically impossible to upgrade.

Following a brief size-fire after the conclusion of the Patriotic War of 1812, Russia re-joined the Coalition against Napoleon's Empire in August 1813. Afterwards, Emperor Alexander I steadfastly rejected any ideas of an amicable agreement between the coalition and Napoleon, famously insisting that any lasting peace would have to be signed in Paris. In October of that year the allies won a decisive victory at the Battle of Leipzig, and in March 1814, triumphant Russian troops entered Paris. The medal was established in August 1814 and awarded through the early 1830s to all military participants of the 1814 campaign. Approximately 150000 medals were issued. Of course, only a tiny fraction of this total still exists after all the revolutions and wars that had plagued Russia throughout much of the XX Century.

/See Dimitri Romanov, The Orders, Medals and History of Imperial Russia, pp. 130-131; Mikhail Diakov, Medals of the Russian Empire, Part 3, 1796-1825, p. 130/.
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