Hello, I'm new to this place. My father was a sailor in the 70's and 80's and came across this piece somewhere in asia (he can't remember). He had it as a good luck charm for the longest time and gave it to me when I went off to college. I am curious if anyone knows anything about it, I have no understanding of Russian and my few russian friends don't take my interest in the piece seriously (offering me a few bucks to take it off my hands instead of translating it). The only clue of the piece's origin (because i am a novice) is the 1895 date imprinted and the obvious language usage.
I don't know what this is but maybe you can send a scan to this site & they may help you: http://www.collectrussia.com/index.cfm Lenin was arrested in 1895 & I think founded the communist party that year so I think may be this is a commemorative medallion of some kind but it is just a guess.
Well, on the side with the face it is written: "God save our ruler Nikolai", on the other side as far as I can make it: "To commemorate [...] discovery of north-eastern canal, on 19 of June 1895"
Got it translated by someone at forumancientcoins.com: "An interesting Russian medal, probably, rare. Obverse: God, save our master Nikolai II. Reverse: In memory of solemn inauguration of the Nothern-Ostsee channel, Kiel, 19 June, 1985." Took your advice and forwarded pics to collectrussia.com and the National Maritime Museum.
