Medal in memory of the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878, a rare version in gilding

Bronze, gilding. Unknown workshop. Weight 14.94 g. Diameter 28.2 mm. It is very rare in gilding. Good condition. On the obverse side of the medal in the center there is an Orthodox cross surrounded by radiance, which is located above the prostrate crescent, together with which the cross forms a single composition. Along the rim on both sides of the date: "1877." and «1878.». The design of the front side is close to that of the medal "For the Turkish War" of 1830. On the reverse side of the medal there is a horizontal inscription in four lines: NOT TO US, NOT TO US, BUT TO YOUR NAME. The inscription on the bottom and sides is framed by two laurel branches tied with a ribbon. For the period from 1878 to 1883 on 83,374 silver, 635,921 light bronze, 335,424 dark bronze medals were minted at the St. Petersburg Mint. The production of medals by private workshops was allowed, in connection with which there are known variants of medals that differ somewhat in the details of the image, as well as in size. Dress versions of the medal are also known. The inscription on the back of the medals is a quote from the Psalter, Kafism 16, Aliluia 113, line 9: "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but give glory to your name, for your mercy and your truth." It means literally "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but give glory to your name, according to your mercy and according to your truth." (Ps. 113:9). From the collection of A.I. Vilkov. For analogs , see Smirnov# 771. Dyakov# 845.1. Peters# 155. Peters A II# 42. Guarantee of authenticity. 

Russian Russian Empire Medal "In Memory of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878" is a state award of the Russian Empire for awarding persons related to the Russo—Turkish War (1877-1878).

The medal was established by decree of Emperor Alexander II on April 17 (29), 1878 and had three different versions — silver, light and dark bronze. The drawing of the medals was approved by Alexander II on September 14 (26), 1878. Different versions of the medal were awarded to different categories of awardees. The awarding of medals was entrusted to the leadership of the Caucasian Military District (for troops operating in the Asian part of the Ottoman Empire), the leadership of corps (for troops operating in the European part of the Ottoman Empire and in the protection of the Black Sea coast) and the Maritime Ministry (for sailors).

The silver medal was awarded to: all persons who participated in the defense of the Shipka Pass or temporarily stayed there on duty; all persons who defended Bayazet during the blockade.

From February 19 (March 3), 1881, silver medals were also awarded to participants in the siege of Kars, while previously issued light bronze medals were supposed to be replaced. The light bronze medal was awarded to: military of all ranks who participated in at least one of the battles against the enemy during the war from 1877 to 1878, including during the suppression of uprisings in the North Caucasus and during the fighting against the Circassian landing in Abkhazia; Bulgarian militia, volunteers who participated in the battles; sailors, those who participated in the battles on the Black Sea and on the Danube; priests, doctors, orderlies, nurses who were in the troops and put their lives in danger; civil and military officials who were in the troops and participated in the fighting with weapons in their hands; persons of all classes awarded the Insignia of the Military Order or the medal "For Bravery".

Dark bronze medal was awarded:

• Military of all ranks, Bulgarian militia, volunteers, sailors who did not participate in battles, but were during the war on the territory of the Ottoman Empire, Romania, in the regions of Russia that were under martial law during the war;

• Priests, doctors, orderlies, nurses who were in the army and were not in danger, as well as those who were in the territory of the Ottoman Empire, Romania, in the regions of Russia that were under martial law;

• Civil and military officials who were in the military and did not participate in the fighting;

• Volunteers and freelancers who were with the troops operating against the enemy;

• Persons of all classes who rendered any services during the course of military operations.

The medal had an eyelet for attachment to a pad or ribbon. The medal should have been worn on the chest. The ribbon of the medal is a combined St. Andrew's and St. George's ribbon. Since August 13, 1911, by the decree of Nicholas II, the wounded and shell-shocked in battles have been able to wear these medals on a ribbon with a bow.