Russia, Imperial. An Order of St. Vladimir, IV Class Cross, French-Made for White Émigrés c. 1925

(Орден Святого Владимира 4-я степень). Instituted 3 October (22 September Old Style) 1782 by Empress Catherine II. (1782-1917 issue; c. 1925 émigrée reissue). Constructed of a gilded silver alloy with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with red enameled arms trimmed with black borders, the obverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by an ermine mantle defaced by the monogram of St. Vladimir and executed in hand-applied gilt and paint, situated within a gilded circular ring, the reverse bearing a central black enameled medallion overlaid by a gilt institution date of 22 September 1782, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a ball eyelet and suspension ring, unmarked, measuring 39.46 mm (w) x 44.57 mm (h), weighing 22.2 grams, demonstrating minor flecking and surface scratching throughout the enamels with loss of gilt finish to the silver base, an early French-made example intended for issue to a member of the White émigre community in near extremely fine condition.