Russia, Federation. Russian Orthodox Church Order Of The Holy Apostle Andrew The First, Cased Set

(Орден Святого апостола Андрея Первозванного). Instituted in 1988. Badge: multi-piece construction, in silver gilt, central insignia is oval-shaped, the centrepiece depicting St. Andrew the First in the Rostov Finift technique, the saint backed by a St. Andrew's Cross, the centerpiece surrounded by a ring consisting of twenty-one glass stones, the ring framed by two palm branches forming an open-ended wreath, the wreath bearing four ruby-coloured stones at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock positions, complemented by large rectangular faceted emerald-coloured stones in the upper and lower corners framing the oval and forming a cross, the silver gilt base designed with seven emanating rays at the top and bottom, along with nine emanating rays on both sides, the badge surmounted by a crown bearing three glass stones in its base and placed above a flowing ribbon banner, measuring 56 mm (w) x 78 mm (h), with a hook on the reverse; and Breast Star: three-piece construction, the central insignia in silver gilt with blue and white enamels and bearing the monogram of St. Andrew in the centre, surrounded by the inscription in the Church Slavonic language "CHRIST IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD", the insignia surrounded by a circular ring containing twenty-three glass stones, all of which are mounted to an eight-pointed silver gilt star base, the star points at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock with seven emanating rays and collectively bearing thirty-one glass stones each, with five emanating rays between each of the star points, measuring 64 mm (w) x 65 mm (h), with a vertical pinback. The Badge is missing one ruby-coloured stone at the 3 o'clock position, the star point at the upper left on the Breast Star is missing a glass stone on the second emanating ray from the right, both the Badge and the Breast Star exhibiting scattered gilt wear, near extremely fine. Accompanied by a Ribbon that features five insignia, in gold-coloured bullion wire, in various textures, interlaced with gold-coloured sequins, the central insignia incorporating an image in white rayon, all on a burgundy rayon base, measuring 225 mm (w) x 70 mm (h). All three iems in their hardshelled case of issue, exterior in royal blue felt on five sides, the bottom in a synthetic fabric simulating leather, the inside lid lined in a white synthetic fabric, the base housing an insert covered in red felt and serving as the medal bed for the Badge and Breast Star, measuring 172 mm (w) x 100 mm (h) x 38 mm (d), case also near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First is the highest order of the Russian Orthodox Church. It was established by the decision of Patriarch Pimen and the Holy Synod on December 28, 1988, in honour of the 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia. The Order is awarded to the primates of local Orthodox churches for outstanding services in strengthening Christianity and has one degree. Upon award of the Badge and Breast Star, a ribbon and a certificate are issued. The Badge of the Order is worn on a ribbon on the right side in the upper part of the chest. When wearing the Badge of the Order on the shoulder ribbon, it is located under the Breast Star of the Order. All other orders of the Russian Orthodox Church are worn below.