Russia, Imperial. An Order of St. Ann, III Class in Gold with Swords, c.1905

(Орден Святой Анны). Instituted February 14, 1735. A lovely St. Anne, constructed of 14K Gold, consisting of a red enamelled cross with ornamented Gold patterns and swords in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a white enamelled centerpiece bearing the hand-painted figure of St. Anna, the reverse with a similar white enamelled medallion, bearing the hand-painted initials “A.I.P.F.” for the Latin “Anna Imperatoris Petri Filia” (Anna, Emperor Peter’s Daughter), suspended from a raised integral ring and double-looped oval suspension ring for suspension from its period-original medium-length neck ribbon, partial mark of “56” for 14kt Gold purity, marks “BA” and “Эдуард” (Eduard) set into the enamels of the reverse arms, measuring 35.3 mm (w) x 39.5 mm (h), weighs 12.95 grams including ribbon, worn on segment of correct ribbon, kokoshnik marks on the sword hilts and suspension loop, enamels intact, light wear, in extremely fine condition.