Imperial RussianState University graduate badge, Miniature, by a St Petersburg maker.
GUARANTEED ORIGINAL ANTIQUE badge made in Russiain 1908-1917, not a later issue or replica!
Beautifully made piece in SOLID SILVER and highquality hot-baked ENAMELS. Measures 33.2 mm in height (including the eagle), 15.0mm in width. The blue Maltese cross is a separate part attached to thediamond-shaped base by wires. The reverse shows silver hallmark "84"with "Kokoshnik" facing right and Greek character Alpha designatingSt. Petersburg assay inspection. There is also a poorly struck maker mark,possibly a Cyrillic АA ("AA”). Interestingly, there is an inscription inRussian on the reverse that reads “20 Oct. 1914” which is probably the date ofgraduation scribbled by the original owner.
The badge is in VERY GOOD condition – especiallyconsidering that it’s over 100 years of age. The cobalt blue enamel has chipsin the central part of the cross, but most of it is intact and still shows verynice luster. The white enamel has some discoloration or imbedded specks of dustbut is otherwise perfect, without chips or flaking. All the enamel on thisbadge is 100% ORIGINAL – there are no enamel repairs.
The details of the double-headed eagle arebeautifully crisp, almost pristine. Traces of the original fire gilt are still visiblein the recesses of the eagle and on the reverse. The screw post is full length(for a miniature), about 9.5 mm long. The screw plate is a replacement, but itworks with the screw perfectly. Overall, this Imperial University badge is a veryattractive GENUINE example which we are offering at a BARGAIN PRICE!
Pleasenote, penny in our photo is for size reference.
