Very Rare WW1 era Don Cossack Medal.

A very rare Russian Don Cossack silver medal which tests around .830-.850 grade silver, given to the Don Cossack regiments for their service in the Russian civil war 1917 to 1922.
The Don Cossacks came from a region of southern Russia and had a rich military tradition, playing an important part in the historical development of the Russian Empire and successfully participating in all of its major wars, including Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812.
In 1916, over 1.5 million Cossacks enlisted to fight in World War I, but they were disbanded on Russian soil in 1918, after the Russian Revolution, but the Don Cossacks when on to serve with the White Army fighting against the Bolshevik Red Army during the civil war, still loyal to the crown. When the new Soviet regime took over the people of the Don Cossack region were either killed, deported or were left to starve during the Russian famine of 1932-33.
This medal comes in excellent condition and has been residing in my own collection for around 10 years, it comes on its original ribbon, which is a little tatty but it is impossible to find a replacement. An interesting medal which very seldom come on to the market.

Code: 16876