The Cruiser 'Varyag': A silver and enamel jeton, Eduard, St Petersburg, 1908-1917

formed as a blue and white enamel life belt with date 1904 and overlaid with an anchor, the naval flag behind, above a banner inscribed 'Varyag', 84 standard, suspension loop with French import mark, some overall wear and chips to enamel

There are losses to the blue enamel especially to the left side. White enamel with nicks and scratches throughout.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Varyag had the unusual distinction of belonging to the Russian, Japanese, British and German navies or governments in the quarter century of her life.  American-built, she was fully commissioned into the Russian Imperial Navy on 2 January 1901, then captured by the Japanese after the Battle of Chemulpo Bay and renamed Soya.  The cruiser was transferred back to the Russians at Vladivostock in 1916, renamed Varyag and sent to Britain for an overhaul.  Following the October Revolution, the British seized the ship and sold her to Germany for scrap in 1920 shortly before she ran aground off the coast of Scotland, finally sinking in 1925.  

The bravery of the Russian crew at Chemulpo was hailed in the 1904 song:

Get up you comrades, take your places,
The final parade is at hand.
Proud Varyag will not surrender to the enemy,
No one wants their mercy.