In 1722 Peter the Great instituted the Table of Ranks which transformed Russia into a meritocracy, offering free male subjects the chance of entering into, and being rewarded for, state service. Official gifts, such as this richly embossed and chased kovsh (drinking vessel) were given for services rendered and held in stock by the imperial cabinet until required. This example was presented in 1805 by Alexander I to Pavel Krasnoshchekov, a Don Cossack in gratitude for guarding the imperial residences.

Recorded in the Royal Collection after 1914