Russia, Imperial. An Order of St. Anna, I Class Cross, German-Made for White Émigrés c. 1925

(Крест Ордена Святой Анны I степень).  Instituted 14 February 1735 by Duke Karl Friedrich of Holstein-Gottorp. (State issue 1797-1917; c. 1925 émigrée reissue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with red enameled arms, joined through the quadrants by intricate arabesque latticework, the obverse bearing a central enameled medallion overlaid by a hand-painted image of St. Anna, situated within a circular gilded ring, the reverse bearing a central enameled medallion overlaid by a hand-painted initials “A.I.P.F.” for the Latin “Anna Imperatoris Petri Filia” (Anna, Emperor Peter’s Daughter), the twelve o’clock arm topped by an eyelet retaining a suspension ring, unmarked, measuring 53.89 mm (w) x 59.22 mm (h), weighing 38.0 grams, demonstrating moderate loss of gilt finish to the base silver and minor flecking to the enamels, an early German-made example intended for issue to a member of the White émigre community c. 1925, demonstrating commensurate quality of construction, in extremely fine condition.