Russia, Imperial. A Superb Order of St. Stanislaus, II Class Cross in Gold, Black Enameled Version c. 1863

(Орден Святого Станислава. 2-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 Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with striking dark red enameled arms in a quintessential example of a privately purchased piece known to posterity as a black enameled version, situated within a Gold frame completing in ball finials at each outer corner, the obverse of the arms joined through the quadrants by detailed double-headed Imperial Russian eagles overlaid by national crests, 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 from which an integral loop emanates to accommodate a ring, the latter accompanied by a quality later-manufacturer length of confectioned neck ribbon, the reverse of the integral loop stamped with a zolotnik mark of “56” indicating 14K Gold content, a manufacture date of “1863”, and a partially-legible hallmark beginning with “И”, measuring 52.87 mm (w) x 54.45 mm (h), weighing 17.7 grams, the obverse wreath has lost most of its original green enamel and minor flecking and surface scratching is visible elsewhere, a stunning mid-century example of exceptional quality in near extremely fine condition.