Russia, Imperial. A Decoration for the 50th Anniversary of the Pacification of the Caucasus

Constructed of a gilded silver alloy with enamels, consisting of a vaulted Cross Pattée with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse with black enameled arms and with its upper arms joined through the quadrants by the monograms of Tsar Alexander II and Tsar Nicholas II, the three and nine o’clock arms bearing gilt dates “1909” and “1859”, respectively, overlaid by a central protruding black enameled medallion defaced by a Latin script letter “L”, the reverse with a central threaded screwpost retaining an original backplate and nut, the latter bearing a maker’s mark rendered illegible by surface oxidation, measuring 44.60 mm (w) x 54.26 mm (h), weighing 36.3 grams (inclusive of hardware), demonstrating minor flecking and loss of finish to the enameled and gilded elements, with surface oxidation visible throughout the attachment hardware, a scarce example in near extremely fine condition.