Russia Bronze (Silvered) Medal 1902 – Centennial of the Page Corps – Nicholas II (1894–1917).

129.97g. 66mm. AU/AU. 

Medalier: Anton Vasyutinsky (unsigned).

Diakov 1366.1.

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

Obv.: Left-facing bust of Emperor Nicholas II within a circular inscription.

Inscription around:

Б . М . НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС . 10го ОКТЯБРЯ 1902

(By the Grace of God Nicholas II, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia. 10 October 1902)

Rev.: Right-facing bust of Emperor Alexander I wearing a laurel wreath, within a circular inscription.

Inscription around:

Б . М . АЛЕКСАНДРЪ I ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС . 10го ОКТЯБРЯ 1802

(By the Grace of God Alexander I, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia. 10 October 1802)

Inscription on edge:

ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ СТОЛѢТНЯГО ЮБИЛЕЯ ПАЖЕСКАГО Е.И.В. КОРПУСА +

(In memory of the centennial jubilee of His Imperial Majesty’s Page Corps +)

The Page Corps (Pazhsky Korpus), an elite military academy in Imperial Russia, was founded in 1802 under Emperor Alexander I to prepare noble youth for service at court and in the army. Its centenary was marked in 1902 under Nicholas II, celebrating its legacy as a training ground for many prominent officers and statesmen of the Russian Empire.