Russia, Imperial. An Order of St. Stanislaus, II Class Cross in Gold, by Eduard

(Орден Святого Станислава 2-й степени). Instituted 8 May 1765 by Stanisław II August of Poland; incorporated into Russian orders 1831 by Tsar Nicholas I. (1831-1917 issue). Constructed of 14K Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with red enameled arms completing in ball finials and ribbed fans, the obverse overlaid across all quadrants with double-headed Russian imperial eagles, both the obverse and reverse overlaid by central white enameled medallions bearing hand-painted monograms of St. Stanislaus, each situated within a Gold ring, with the obverse ring topped by a green enameled laurel wreath, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an eyelet and suspension ring retaining a period original ribbon, the reverse six o’clock arm stamped with a mark of “ЭДУАРДЪ” for the St. Petersburg firm of Eduard, the twelve o’clock arm stamped by a goldsmith mark of “ИЛ”, the integral ring bearing a zolotnik mark of “56” indicating 14K Gold, measuring 50.12 mm (w) x 52.93 mm (h), weighing 20.6 grams, demonstrating minor surface scratching to the enamels and base metal, a high-quality example produced by a noted jeweller c. 1900, in extremely fine condition.