• Decoration Type: St. George Medal for Bravery (also known as the Medal of St. George or Medal Za Hrabrost). • Class: 3rd Class (Higher Grade Silver Award). • Material: Silver (Argent). • Emperor: Tsar Nicholas II (depicted on the obverse). • Condition: Very Fine (VF) - excellent preservation considering age. • Serial Number: 12017 • Period: Imperial Russia (likely pre-World War I, due to the low serial number). This is an authentic and highly collectible example of the Imperial Russian St. George Medal for Bravery, 3rd Class, bearing the effigy of Tsar Nicholas II. This medal was the highest award specifically created for rank-and-file soldiers and NCOs for exceptional acts of military courage. Rarity (3rd Class): The St. George Medal was awarded in four classes. The 3rd Class (Silver) is significantly rarer and more sought after by collectors than the more common 4th Class, signifying a repeated act of bravery. • Low Serial Number (12017): The serial number 12017 is exceptionally low. Medals with such low numbers were typically awarded in the early period of the award's issue under Nicholas Il (potentially during the Russo-Japanese War or earlier campaigns), making them highly desirable compared to the millions issued during World War I. • Condition: The medal is preserved in Very Fine (VF) condition, retaining excellent detail on the effigy of Tsar Nicholas Il and the reverse side featuring the St. George monogram and the class inscription. • Note on Completeness: The medal is offered without its original ribbon. Historical Significance The St. George Medal was a prestigious award, equal in status to the St. George Cross, differing only in the level of merit recognized. The low serial number strongly suggests a recipient who performed an act of valor early in their service or during a significant pre-1914 conflict. Closing Note This is a significant opportunity to acquire a low-numbered, 3rd Class St. George Medal in very fine condition.