Badge of the Order of St. Prince Vladimir Equal to the Apostles, 3rd degree with swords

56 gold, guilloche, enamel. An original and rather rare badge of the order in excellent collector's condition. The sign is made in the form of an equi-pointed cross, with an ear and an intermediate ring and a ribbon. On the obverse, in the center, in a rounded medallion, there is an image of a royal canopy trimmed with ermine and crowned with an imperial crown. On the background of the canopy there are two letters — monograms of the Cyrillic alphabet "SV" ( "SAINT VLADIMIR"). The inscription "September 22, 1782" is placed on the reverse in the central round medallion. In the lower blade of the cross under the enamel overlay is an image of a marking consisting of two Latin letters A.K. (full text in Russian by Albert Keibel). In the upper blade of the cross, the stamp "VD" is placed under the enamel — V. Ya. Dinakov is a St. Petersburg silversmith shop foreman, collaborated with the company "Eduard", whose brand is applied on the lower beam of the order, also under enamel. Between the rays of the cross are placed overhead crossed swords, indicating that the order was awarded for military merit. The original neck band is included. Guarantee of authenticity.

The Order of the "Holy Prince Vladimir Equal to the Apostles" was established by the Empress of the Russian Empire Catherine II on September 22 (October 3), 1782. The subjects of the Russian State were awarded for military and civil merits. The 1st degree consisted of a badge ("Grand Cross") worn on a black-and-red moire ribbon over the right shoulder, and a star fixed on the uniform on the left side. The insignia were intended for military and civilian officials from 1st to 2nd grade (according to the table of ranks). An annual pension of 600 rubles was provided. The 2nd degree consisted of a star, also worn on the chest of the left side of the uniform and a sign (cross) worn on a black-and-red moire ribbon around the neck. The insignia were intended for military and civilian officials from 1st to 3rd grade (according to the table of ranks). An annual pension of 300 rubles was provided. The 3rd degree had only a neck badge (cross), worn on a black-and-red moire ribbon around the neck. The insignia was intended for military and civilian officials from 1st to 6th grade (according to the table of ranks). An annual pension of 150 rubles was provided. The 4th degree had a sign (cross) worn on the pad on the left side of the uniform (respectively with a moire black and red ribbon). The insignia was intended for military and civilian officials from 5th to 11th grade (according to the table of ranks). An annual pension of 100 rubles was provided. Merchants, industrialists and others could also receive the award. The badge of the Order of the "Holy Prince Vladimir Equal to the Apostles" could be with or without swords. In addition to standard awards, miniature dress versions were also produced.

Manufacturer: Art workshop of diamond, gold and silver products "Eduard" (Nevsky Prospekt, 10), founded by Eduard Ferdinandovich Ditvald (1868-1910), then his wife Vera Petrovna and son Vladimir Ditvald continued the business. The nameplate "IA" belonged to goldsmith Johann Gustavovich Ainstead. The firm "Eduard" has been a supplier of the Chapter of Orders since January 1906. V. Ya. Dinakov, a St. Petersburg silversmith shop foreman with the personal stamp "VD", also collaborated with the company "Eduard".