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Medal for the Eastern War
(In Light Bronze for Combatants)
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Established -
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26 August 1856
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Composition -
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Brass |
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Number Awarded -
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1,700,000 in two classes
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This medal was issued in two types: light and dark
bronze. Light bronze medals issued to all military ranks who
had taken part in active combat operations. Dark bronze medals
were given to civilians who had contributed to the war effort.
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This medal was first issued in 1856 at the end of
the Crimean War. All were made of brass, but those for combat
veterans were a lighter bronze finish than those to others.
The light bronze medals were issued with one of three different
ribbons. In order of precedence, these were: the St. George's
ribbon (pictured above), St. Andrew's ribbon, and the St. Vladimir
ribbon. The dark bronze ribbon was issued to civilians.
It was issued with either the St. Vladimir ribbon or the St. Anne
ribbon. Most of these medals were made at the St.
Petersburg mint, but the Yekaterinburg mint also produced them in
lesser numbers, as did private vendors. The medal measures
28mm across and weighs 11.1 grams without its ribbon or suspension.
On its face, the medal shows the monograms of the two Tsars
(Nicholas I and Alexander II). The reverse features the
writing: "на тя господи уповахомъ, да не постыдимся во вьки"
This is a Russian translation of Psalm 30: 2 (KJV) which states, "In
you, Lord, I trust, let me not be ashamed for ever;
according to thy righteousness deliver me."
After the death of the owner of the medal it legally passed to the
descendants, who had the right to own the medal, but not to wear it. |
