A. Strigo, T. Kalinina, Imperial Statute of the Russian Orders of Chivalry

A. Strigo, T. Kalinina, Imperial Statute of the Russian Orders of Chivalry. Moscow: Novosti Publishing House, [2003]. — 268 pages: illustrations; 480х380 mm. In a full-cloth (velvet) publisher's binding. On the front cover, a double-headed eagle with three imperial crowns and royal regalia is embroidered with gold and colored threads. Includes a silk ribbon marker. Attached to the spine is a custodia on a twisted cord in a metal case. Encased in a wooden lacquered case. Also included in the case is a pair of white gloves for displaying the book. This edition belongs to the range of state gifts presented by Vladimir Putin to his guests, friends, and colleagues. The book 'Imperial Statute of the Russian Orders of Chivalry' was produced in a limited edition by order of the Ministry of Defense. Since February 1st, 2002, this 'Statute' has been considered the main official gift of the Russian Minister of Defense, and only after passing all necessary examinations did it enter the President’s Gift Fund. This gift edition is an almost exact copy of Emperor Paul I’s 'Statute,' originally published at the end of the 18th century. The book was reproduced from two surviving copies, one of which is kept in the Armoury Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin. The original 'Statute' consists of Emperor Paul I’s decree and thirty-one articles detailing who and for what services may become a knight of the Order. It describes all Russian Orders with illustrations of crosses, ribbons, seals, the attire of the Order’s knights, treasurer, and herald, alongside accounts of court ceremonial and the knights’ incomes. To Emperor Paul I’s 'Statute,' descriptions have been added of Russian awards not initially included, but instituted before 1917, along with unique photographs of Russian Imperial Orders. The book was published under the auspices of the RF Ministry of Defense with the blessing of Patriarch Alexy II and with support from the State Historical Museum and the Military Memorial Center of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Prepared within the program for authentic reproduction of rarest Russian folios, each copy is handmade. The Russian coat of arms is embroidered in gold threads on the velvet cover. The book is adorned with a gilded custodia with a wax seal and protected by a lacquered case. This book is the official present of the President of the Russian Federation. All descriptions in the book are in two languages—English and Russian.