Russia, Imperial. An Order of St. Anne, II Class in Gold, by Eduard, c.1900

(Орден Святой Анны). Instituted on February 14th, 1735. A lovely St. Anne, constructed of 14 kt Gold, consisting of a red enamelled cross with ornamented Gold patterns 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, marked “56” for 14kt Gold purity, marks “BA” and “Эдуард” (Eduard) set into the enamels of the reverse arms, measuring 43.38 mm (w) x 48.00 mm (h), weighing 20.48 grams (including ribbon), the suspension ring has been bent out of shape, enamel chips to the obverse 12 o’clock arm and reverse 9 o’clock arm, marks on arms difficult to decipher, central medallion loose to the touch and will spin, remains in very fine condition.

Contained in a small russian case, dark red exterior with the Russian eagle on the lid, interior presents a silk lid with recessed medalbed and ribbon storage below, measures 70 mm (w) x 95 mm (h) x 25 mm (d), hinge has been reinforced, notabl