Russia, Imperial. A Rare and Superb Order of St. Stanislaus in Gold, Military Division, I Class Cross

 (Орден Святого Станислава. 1-й степени). Instituted 8 May 1765 by Stanisław II August of Poland; incorporated into Russian orders 1831 by Tsar Nicholas I. (1831-1917 issue). Constructed of 14K Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with striking red enameled arms and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, situated within a Gold frame completing in ball finials and ribbed fans at each outer corner, the obverse of the arms joined through the quadrants by detailed double-headed Imperial eagles overlaid by national crests executed in exceptional jeweller detail, bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a red enameled monogram of St. Stanislaus of Szczepanów, situated within a circular green enameled laurel leaf wreath, the reverse similarly bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a hand-painted red and gilt monogram, situated within a circular Gold ring, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a ribbed fan suspension which culminates in an integral loop and suspension ring accompanied by a period original sash ribbon, the loop stamped on the reverse with a partially-legible but unmistakable kokoshnik mark of “56” indicating 14K composition, with additional kokoshnik marks stamps onto the reverse of both the sword hilts and the three and nine o’clock arm fans, demonstrating minor flecking and surface scratching to the enamels, a rare and striking military issue example in extremely fine condition.