Russia, Imperial. An Order of St. George, IV Class Cross in Gold

(Орден Святого Великомученика и Победоносца Георгия 4 степени). Instituted 26 November 1769 by Catherine II (the Great). Of high quality Russian manufacture, a Cross pattee constructed of Gold with white enamelled arms, the obverse with a small central white enamelled medallion bearing a hand painted depiction of Saint George slaying a dragon in multi-coloured enamels, centrepiece having been encased in glass and polished, the reverse centrepiece having been painted white on glass bearing a black Cyrillic monogram of “СГ” for “СВЯТОГО ГЕОРГИЯ” (“SAINT GEORGE”), the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop and marked with strong Russian Gold 56 hallmark denoting 14Kt, partial maker mark, measuring 34.5 mm (w) x 38.9 mm (h - inclusive of suspension ring), weighs 11.09 grams (excluding replacement ribbon), with period alterations/repairs, remains fine.