Russia, Imperial. An Order of Saint Stanislaus, II Class with Swords, by Albert Keibel

(Орден Святого Станислава). Instituted 1765. (House of Romanov). Military Division. Type II (1856-1917). In Gold, consisting of a red enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, double headed eagles with outstretched wings in each quadrant, the center is pierced by crossed swords denoting military division, the obverse medallion features a handpainted “SS” in red on a white enamel field, surrounded by a ring with a green enamelled wreath, the reverse arms of the cross are plain while the medallion presents the handpainted “SS” in red on a white enamelled field, marked on the integral ring “56” (14k Gold), marked AK on 6 o’clock arm denoting Albert Keibel manufacture, measures 47.45mm(w) x 50.85mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 22.4 grams, worn on an thin double barrelled suspension loop, top right sword tip is a period replacement in gold, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a neck ribbon of the order.

Footnote: Originally this was a Polish Order created on May 7, 1765 by King Stanislaus II, to honour the Patron Saint of Poland, St. Stanislas of Krakow. 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.