St. George's Cross, 4th art. No. 437356, 138th Bolkhovsky Regiment

Silver, stamping. The original cross is in excellent collector's condition. Bogdanov Ivan Ilyich, 138th Infantry Bolkhovsky Regiment, 3rd company, senior non-commissioned officer, was awarded the Cross for distinguished service in combat on 09/11/1915. Guarantee of authenticity.

The St. George's Cross (until 1913, the Insignia of the Military Order) was a badge of distinction from the time of the Russian Empire for awarding lower ranks, established in 1807 and ranked among the Military Order of St. George the Great Martyr and Victorious. It was the highest award for soldiers and non-commissioned officers for military merit and bravery shown against the enemy. In 1807-1856, the award had only one degree, and since March 19, 1856, it has had four degrees. By the Statute of 1913, the Insignia of the Military Order was officially renamed the St. George's Cross and the colors of the St. George ribbon were finally established (the ribbon with three black and two yellow stripes were monarchical symbols (black meant sovereignty, yellow meant spirituality), see the ribbon of the Order of St. George). From June 24, 1917, it could also be awarded to officers for feats of personal bravery by awarding a general meeting of soldiers of a unit or sailors of a ship. During the Civil War, the leaders of the White Movement continued the practice of awarding lower ranks with St. George Crosses. In 1992, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of Russia decided to restore the St. George's Cross insignia.