Russia, Imperial. An Order of St. Stanislaus, II Class Cross in Gold, c.1880

(Орден Святого Станислава). Instituted 1765. (House of Romanov). Type II. (1856-1917). Civil Division. In Gold, consisting of a red enameled Maltese cross with ball finials, with a double headed Russian Imperial Eagle in each quadrant, each eagle adorned by the Russian crown and presenting a shield, obverse centre presenting a hand painted "SS" on white enamel (Saint Stanislaus) with a green laurel surround on Gold, reverse exhibiting Gold arms as well as a white enamelled centre and hand painted "SS" in red, a well marked award including a zolotniki fineness number "56" (14K Gold) on integral ring, marked with Russian Imperial eagle on reverse 12 o'clock arm as well as makers mark "IK" denoting Julius Keibel of St. Petersburg, measures 46mm (w) x 50.4mm (h), weighs 22.4 grams (including ribbon), worn on a section of period ribbon connected to long black ties, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This Order became a Russian Order after the Polish Rebellion of 1830, when Polish forces were suppressed. It was adopted as a Russian Order in 1831.