On August 3, 1762, by a decree of Empress Catherine the Great, Grigory and Fyodor Volkov were ennobled and on September 10, 1765, after Fyodor's death, Grigory Volkov was personally awarded for "excellent services and loyalty" with his own patent of nobility and a coat of arms. The coat of arms depicts a divided shield. On the upper part of the shield there are merits of the owner: the blue cross from the St. Andrew's ribbon on a gold background indicated a major service in a matter of national importance, the golden imperial crown in the crosshair of the ribbon was evidence of the special attitude of the Empress. On the lower part of the shield there are personal qualities of the owner: on a red field symbolizing courage and intrepidity. A silver dagger with a gold handle passing through a golden diadem are the attributes of Melpomene, patroness of the theater.