of circular, gently scalloped form, the cavetto painted with the star of the order with the Cyrillic motto Polza, chest i slava (Usefulness, Honor and Glory) and the gilt border with the draped red and black sash and the badge of the order

with some small rubbing to gilding
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In 1782, five years after Catherine's Cabinet had ordered the first three of the Order Services, the Empress founded the Order of St. Vladimir, in part to mark the twentieth anniversary of her accession to the throne. For the new order, her Cabinet ordered the largest service thus far with a total of 120 covers. Credited with having brought Christianity to Russia, Prince Vladimir was canonized by the Orthodox church and was called "equal to the apostles." In Russian, this is rendered as Sviatoi Ravnoapostolnyi Kniaz Vladimir and thus the Cyrillic🎃 letters SRKV appear on the star depicted at the center of each plate. The Service for the Order of St. Vlaℱdimir was first used at the Winter Palace at the ceremony held on the saint's feast day, September 22, 1785.