IMPERIAL RUSSIA BADGE OF SOCIETY OF THE BLUE CROSS ~ GOLD & SILVER ~ HALLMARKED (circa 1897-1914)

Blue enameled silver cross with superimposed gold firefighter helmet, mounted on gold Anchor with crossed gold firefighting tools in quadrants.
Hallmarked "84" and Kokoshnik on back of cross.
Anchor hallmarked "56" for 14K gold and Kokoshnik.
Dimensions 40mm x 28mm.

The Society of the Blue Cross was founded to aid firefighters and their families. The badge was instituted in June of 1897. Originally worn on a rosette with the colors of St. Andrew.

This is a 100% genuine badge in gold and silver. ex-Robert Werlich collection (He translated and published the Andolenko catalog on Badges of Imperial Russia in 1983). Obtained directly from Robert Werlich in Georgetown, D.C. in 1991.
SEE PHOTOS.