Russia, Empire. An Early French Made Order of Saint Anna, I Class Star, c.1830

 (Орден Святой Анны). Instituted on February 14th, 1735. An extremely fine jeweler quality breast star, constructed of silver and multi-coloured enamels, consisting of an eight-pointed star with a multi-faceted surface and multiple smaller rays between each arm, the obverse with a circular central 18kt Gold medallion bearing a cross made up of four red enameled petals, surrounded by a ring of red enamels inscribed “Aman, Just, Piet, Fidem” (Amantibus, Justitam, Pietatem, Fidem - To those who love justice, piety, and fidelity) with two angels holding a crown at the top, all surrounded by a Gold ring decorated with multi-faceted balls, the reverse with a barrel hinge, long vertical pinback, and rightward-opening round wire catch, marked on 11 o'clock arm with rabbits head denoting French silver quality between 1819-1838, measuring 84.6 mm (w) x 83.2 mm (l), weighing 60.33 grams, an excellent quality example of this scarce award, in near mint condition.