Russian Empire Medals and Awards
from Pre-WW1 and WW1
Orders of the Russian Empire and Russian Military Medals & Awards of Pre-WW1 and WW1.
During the period preceding World War I, Russia had a sophisticated system of medals and orders in place to recognize individuals for their notable service, accomplishments, and contributions to the state. These honors were bestowed upon deserving recipients as a token of appreciation and recognition for their exceptional dedication and achievements. Russia’s participation in World War I, on the other hand, initially showed promise but was ultimately plagued by internal turmoil and military setbacks.
Peter I founded Russia’s inaugural order in 1698. However, for nearly a century following this milestone, the Russian Empire’s system of awards was primarily governed by decrees pertaining to individual orders. On this page, you will find all the Russian medals, orders, and decorations established before and during the Great War.
Popular Pre-WW1 and WW1
Russian Medals, Orders & Decorations
Explore the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by Russia before the onset of the First World War and during it, and learn more about the events surrounding them.
The Order of Saint Stanislaus
The Order of Saint Stanislaus is a Russian dynastic order of knighthood founded in 1765 by King Stanisław II Augustus.
The Imperial Order of the White Eagle
The Order of the White Eagle (О рден Бе лого Орла) is an Imperial Russian Order established by Emperor Nicholas I of Russia in 1831.
The Imperial Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky
The Imperial Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky was an order of chivalry of the Russian Empire created in memory of Saint Alexander Nevsky.
The Cross of St. George (Russia)
The Cross of Saint George is a state decoration of the Russian Federation initially established by Imperial Russia between 1807 and 1913.
The Order of the Red Banner
The Order of the Red Banner was the first Soviet military decoration, established in 1918 by decree of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee.
All Russian Medals from the
Pre-WW1 Period and WW1
Before World War I, Russia had a complex system of medals and orders that were used to honor individuals for their service, achievements, and contributions to the state. The medals and orders in Russia held great significance, symbolizing the country’s respect for those who had demonstrated remarkable service or made significant contributions to the betterment of society.
During this period, the Russian Empire saw the emergence of several distinguished orders, each with its own unique symbolism and significance. While Peter the Great’s initiative marked the beginning of Russia’s formal system of honors, it took subsequent developments and reforms to establish a more comprehensive and structured framework for the awarding of medals and decorations within the empire.
The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle
The Order of St. Andrew is the highest order of the Russian Federation. It was established in 1698 and the motto is “For Faith and Loyalty”.
The Order of St. George (Russia)
The Order of Saint George is the highest military decoration of the Russian Federation and was originally established 26 November 1769.
The Cross of St. George (Russia)
The Cross of Saint George is a state decoration of the Russian Federation initially established by Imperial Russia between 1807 and 1913.
The Imperial Order of Saint Catherine
The Order of Saint Catherine is an award of Imperial Russia established in 1714 by Peter the Great for his marriage to Catherine I of Russia.
The Imperial Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky
The Imperial Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky was an order of chivalry of the Russian Empire created in memory of Saint Alexander Nevsky.
The Imperial Order of the White Eagle
The Order of the White Eagle (О рден Бе лого Орла) is an Imperial Russian Order established by Emperor Nicholas I of Russia in 1831.
The Imperial Order of Saint Prince Vladimir
The Order of Saint Vladimir is an Imperial Russian order established by Empress Catherine II in memory of the deeds of Saint Vladimir.
The Imperial Order of Saint Anna
The Order of Saint Anna is an Order established by Karl Friedrich in 1735 to honor his wife Anna Petrovna, daughter of Peter the Great.
The Medal of St. George (Russia)
The Medal of St. George for Bravery was established in 1878 and awarded to non-commissioned officers, soldiers, and sailors for acts of valor.
The Order of Saint Stanislaus
The Order of Saint Stanislaus is a Russian dynastic order of knighthood founded in 1765 by King Stanisław II Augustus.
A Brief History of
Russian Empire Medals
The roots of Russian imperial medals can be traced back to the traditions of medieval Russia, where rulers bestowed honors and awards upon loyal subjects and military commanders. However, it was Peter the Great who laid the foundation for a more formal system of honors and decorations in the late 17th century. In 1698, Peter established Russia’s first order, the Order of St. Andrew, setting the stage for the subsequent development of the empire’s medal system.
Catherine the Great, who ruled from 1762 to 1796, expanded and reformed the Russian Empire’s medal system. During her reign, several new orders and decorations were established, including the Order of St. Catherine, the Order of St. Vladimir, and the Order of St. George. These orders honored various achievements and contributions, from military valor to diplomatic service, and played a significant role in Catherine’s efforts to modernize and strengthen the empire.
The early 19th century saw the emergence of new medals and decorations to commemorate Russia’s military victories and struggles. The Napoleonic Wars, in particular, prompted the creation of many new medals.
The Russian Revolution of 1917 brought an end to the Russian Empire and marked a significant turning point in the history of its medals. Many imperial orders and decorations were abolished or fell into disuse, replaced by new awards instituted by the Soviet government.
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Russian Medals from the Interwar Period
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Russian / Soviet Medals
from the WW2 Period
Russia’s participation in World War II was of immense significance, playing a pivotal role in the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. As the largest and most populous Soviet republic, the Soviet Union (which included present-day Russia) faced brutal aggression and invasion by German forces.
Russian / Soviet Medals
from the Post-WW2 Period
In the post-World War II period, Russia (as part of the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991) emerged as one of the world’s superpowers alongside the United States. The aftermath of the war brought significant changes to the geopolitical landscape, and Russia played a central role in shaping global affairs during this time.
