History

The Order of St. Anne was founded in memory of Schleswig-Holstein's wife Anna Petrovna (daughter of Peter the Great). Emperor Paul I established the Order as purely Russian. It was initially awarded for distinguished civil merit, and was expanded as a military award for war service after 1855.

The award was conferred by Duke Frederick of Schleswig-Holstein in memory of his wife Anna Petrovna, and was not considered a Russian award. The Type I Order was awarded only one Colonel, the Col. E.I. Vlastov.

The insignia of St. Anne on the badge and the cross on the star was changed to the Imperial Eagle when awarded to non-Christians.

The Long Service Medal was introduced in November 12, 1796. The small silver medal can be categorized into six types: Type I are numbered from 1-110000; Type II are numbered 110001-410000; Type III are numbered from 410001-490900 and have red enamel in the interior cross and exterior ring; Type IV (dated 1864) are numbered from No.1-3000; Type V (dated 1888) are numbered No. 3001-9999; Type IV are numbered from 10000-16031.