Russia, Imperial. A Rare Order of Saint Stanislaus, I Class Cross Set, by Keibel

(Орден Святого Станислава, I степень). Instituted 8 May 1765 by Stanisław II August of Poland; incorporated into Russian orders 1831 by Tsar Nicholas I. (1831-1917 issue). A rare and superb I Class set of the Order of Saint Stanislaus, consisting of:

1. A sash cross, constructed of 14K Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with each arm completing in ball finials and ribbed fans, the obverse of the arms finish with dark red enamels and joined through the quadrants by Imperial Russian double-headed eagles executed in exceptional detail, bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a hand-painted and interlaced red monogram of Saint Stanislaus in Latin characters, situated within a circular Gold laurel wreath with leaves completed in delicate green enamels, the reverse bearing an analogous central white enameled medallion overlaid by a hand-painted red monogram, the twelve o’clock arm fan topped by an integral loop which culminates in a suspension ring for suspension from a sash ribbon, the integral loop stamped with a kokoshnik mark of “56” indicating 14K Gold construction, the reverse of the twelve o’clock arm stamped with a partially- legible royal warrant, the reverse of the six o’clock arm stamped with the “АК” hallmark of the noted court jeweller Albert Keibel, measuring 62.52 mm (w) x 66.50 mm (h), weighing 28.6 grams, accompanied by a length post-manufacture sash ribbon ideal for display, constructed of rayon and measuring 103 mm (w) x 190 mm (l), demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels of the cross, a fine-quality example produced by a noted jeweller in extremely fine condition.

2. A breast star, constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a vaulted and eight-pointed star, the obverse featuring pebbled rays, bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a central gilded and red enameled interlaced  monogram of Saint Stanislaus, situated within a ribbed ring, in turn circumscribed by a raised and gilded inscription of “PRÆMIANDO INCITAT” (“REWARDING ENCOURAGES”), surrounded by a green enameled ring bearing four clusters of raised and gilded laurel branches, trimmed along both the inner and outer edges with ribbed and gilded rings, the reverse with a wide barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, stamped with a kokoshnik mark of “84” indicating 875 silver construction, with the three o’clock arm and reverse of the pinback similarly marked with kokoshnik stamps, otherwise unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Keibel, measuring 90.48 mm (w) x 90.38 mm (h), weighing 65.2 grams, demonstrating some flecking to the enamels and a consistent patina throughout the silver base, in extremely fine condition.