Russia Bronze (Silvered) Medal 1875 – Centennial of General G. A. Emanuel’s Birth, 2 April 1775 – Alexander II (1855–1881)

124.35g. 68mm. AU/AU. 

Medalier: V. Nikonov (on obverse, В . НИКОН . Р . at the truncation).

Diakov 819.1 Ae - R1.

Extremely rare, especially in high grade.

The medal was silvered to enhance its appearance — a common historical practice intended to improve visual qualities by applying a silver or gold coating. In this case, the surface was silvered over existing nicks, scratches and areas of corrosion. It was also subtly darkened (patinated) to accentuate the finer details of the design. 

Obv.: Bust of General Georgy Arsenyevich Emanuel in full military dress with orders and decorations, based on the portrait by George Dawe from the Military Gallery of the Winter Palace. Above the portrait:

ГЕОРГІИ АРСЕНЬЕВИЧЪ ЭМАНУЕЛЬ | ГЕНЕРАЛЪ ОТЪ - КАВАЛЕРІИ

(Georgy Arsenyevich Emanuel | General of Cavalry).

Around the portrait:

ПУЛТУСКЪ, БОРОДИНО, КАЦБАХЪ, ЛЕИПЦИГЪ, РЕИМСЪ, КАРАЧАИ, ЕЛЬБОРУСЪ, АКТАШЪ, АУХЪ.

(Names of major battles in which he participated).

Rev.: Laurel wreath encircling a six-line inscription, separated by an ornamental divider.

In field:

ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ СТОЛѢТІЯ СО ДНЯ ЕГО РОЖДЕНІЯ – 2 АПРѢЛЯ 1775 Г . – 2 АПРѢЛЯ 1875 Г .

(In memory of the centenary of his birth – 2 April 1775 – 2 April 1875).

Within the wreath:

ОТЪ | БЛАГОДАРНЫХЪ | ДѢТЕЙ | – | РОД . ВЪ ГОР . ВЕРШЕЦѢ . | СКОНЧАЛСЯ | ВЪ ЕЛИСАВЕТГРАДѢ .

(From grateful descendants – Born in the town of Vershets – Died in Elisavetgrad).

This commemorative medal honors the 100th anniversary of the birth of General Georgy Emanuel, a distinguished cavalry commander of the Napoleonic and Caucasian wars, remembered for his military leadership and loyal service to the Russian Empire.