Insignia of the Military Order (CALL) No. 57752, 1878

Silver, stamping. An original and quite rare cross in very good collectible condition, a beautiful patina. The cross on the original St. George ribbon. This cross was awarded to the sergeant major of the 1st Caucasian linear Rifle Battalion, Vasily Rybalchenko, "For different-time affairs with the Turks (1877-1878). Guarantee of authenticity.

The insignia of the Military Order (since 1913 — the Cross of St. George) is a military award of the Russian Empire for lower ranks, established in 1807 and structurally ranked among the Military Order of the Holy Great Martyr and Victorious George. It was the highest award for soldiers and non-commissioned officers for military merit and bravery shown against the enemy. Until 1913, it had unofficial names: St. George's Cross of the 5th degree, soldier's St. George's Cross, soldier's George ("Yegoriy") and others. By the Statute of 1913, the insignia of the Military Order was officially renamed the St. George Cross. From 1807 to 1856, the award had one degree, from March 19, 1856 — four degrees. Since 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 the Russian Federation decided to restore the insignia "St. George's Cross".