Russia Bronze (Silvered) Medal 1872 – 50 Years of Service of K. V. Chevkin – Alexander II (1855–1881)

153.71g. 72mm. AU/AU. 

Medaliers: V. Alekseev (on obverse, В . АЛЕКСѢЕВЪ above right shoulder), Avenir Griliches (on reverse, АВЕНИРЪ ГРИЛИХЕСЪ РѢЗ . at bottom).

Diakov 781.1.

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 and scratches. It was also subtly darkened (patinated) to accentuate the finer details of the design. 

Obv.: Bust of Konstantin Vladimirovich Chevkin in general’s uniform with orders and decorations. Above, crossed laurel and oak branches.

Inscription around:

КОНСТАНТИНЪ ВЛАДИМИРОВИЧЪ ЧЕВКИНЪ

(Konstantin Vladimirovich Chevkin).

Rev.: Allegorical representation of Chevkin’s service: at bottom center, a crown resting on a broken column; to the right, a cannon on carriage, cannonballs, and a rammer; to the left, an anvil with hammer, wheelbarrow, pickaxe, and shovel. In the background, a locomotive and to the right – an active blast furnace.

Inscription above:

ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ ПЯТИДЕСЯТИЛѢТНЕЙ СЛУЖБЫ

(In memory of fifty years of service).

This medal was issued in honor of General Konstantin V. Chevkin’s 50 years of service to the Russian Empire. A prominent military engineer and statesman, he played a key role in railway development and industrial modernization.