Russia, Imperial. An Order of St. Anna, III Class Cross, French-Made for White Émigrés c. 1922

(Крест Ордена Святой Анны III степень). Instituted 14 February 1735 by Duke Karl Friedrich of Holstein-Gottorp. (State issue 1797-1917; c. 1922 émigrée reissue). Constructed of a gilded alloy 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 dual suspension rings and its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 37.20 mm (w) x 45.88 mm (h), weighing 16.8 grams, demonstrating minor flecking and loss of finish to the enamels and base metal, respectively, an early French-made example intended for issue to a member of the White émigre community in near extremely fine condition.