Russia, Imperial. An Order of St. Anna, III Class Cross with Swords, French-Made Example, c. 1916

(Орден Святой Анны, 3-й степени). Instituted 14 February 1735 by Duke Karl-Friedrich of Holstein-Gottorp; incorporated into Russian orders 15 April 1797 by Tsar Paul I of Russia. (1855-1917 issue; 1917-present by the House of Romanov in Exile). Constructed of gilded silver with enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with red enameled arms, joined through the quadrants by gilded arabesque latticework, the obverse bearing a central enameled medallion overlaid by a hand-painted and finely-detailed depiction of St. Anna, situated within a gilded ring pierced by a pair of crossed swords, the reverse bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by hand-painted initials AIPF (Anna, Imperatoris Petri Filia/Anna, the Emperor Peter’s daughter), the twelve o’clock arm topped by an integral loop for dual suspension rings retaining a period original ribbon, the obverse of the integral loop stamped with an illegible silver hallmark, measuring 38.41 mm (w) x 41.51 mm (h), weighing 19.9 grams, demonstrating moderate loss of gilt to the silver base in addition to minor flecking of the enamels, a wartime French-manufactured example produced c. 1916 (possibly for a member of the Russian Expeditionary Force) in near extremely fine condition.