Strigo A., Kalinina T., Imperial Establishment of the Chivalric Orders of Russia

Strigo A., Kalinina T., Imperial Establishment of the Russian Cavalry Orders. Moscow: Typography "Novosti," [2003]. — 268 pages: illustrations; 480x380 mm. In a full cloth (velvet) publishing binding. The front cover features an embroidered double-headed eagle with three imperial crowns and royal regalia, stitched with gold and colored threads. Silk ribbons. A custody with a metal case is attached to the spine on a twisted cord. Housed in a lacquered wooden case. The case also contains a pair of white gloves for book presentation.

This edition is part of the assortment of state gifts presented by Vladimir Putin to his guests, friends, and colleagues. The book "Imperial Establishment of the Russian Cavalry Orders" was published in a minimal print run at the request of the Ministry of Defense. Since February 1, 2002, the "Establishment" was considered the main official gift from the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation and it made its way into the State Gift Fund only after undergoing all necessary expert evaluations.

The gift book "Imperial Establishment of the Russian Cavalry Orders" is an almost exact copy of the "Establishment" by Emperor Paul I, which was published at the end of the 18th century. The book is reproduced from two surviving copies, one of which is held in the Armory Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin. The original "Establishment" consists of an address by Paul I and thirty-one articles that specify who can become a knight of the Order and for what merits, describing Russian Orders of all ranks with illustrations of the order crosses, ribbons, seals, the clothing of order knights, the treasurer, herald, and detailing the court ceremonial and incomes of the knights of the Russian order. An additional description of Russian orders not included in the original text but established before 1917, as well as unique photographs of Russian imperial orders, has been added to Paul I's "Establishment." The book is published under the auspices of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation with the blessing of Patriarch Alexy II of Russia and with the support of the State Historical Museum and the Military Memorial Center of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The publication was prepared as part of a program aimed at the authentic reproduction of extremely rare Russian folios. Each copy of the book is handmade. The velvet binding of the "Establishment" features the coat of arms of Russia embroidered in gold threads. The book is adorned with a gilded custody with a wax seal and protected by a lacquered case. This book is an official gift from the President of the Russian Federation. All descriptions in the book are in two languages - English and Russian.