Russia, Imperial. An Order of Saint Andrew, Miniature Collar in Gold, c.1890

(Знак ордена Святого Андрея Первозванного). Instituted 28 November 1698. A Gold Russian Imperial Order of Saint Andrew Miniature Collar; Of the highest quality production, in Gold and enamels, weighing 15.5 grams, very intricate detail and enameling, of fine quality manufacture, the principal insignia featuring the 15.5 mm x 26.7 mm dual crowned black double-headed eagle, a ribbon banner looped between the beaks, surmounted by the Imperial Russian crown on the obverse, while its reverse illustrates Saint Andrew on the cross with the letters "S, A, P, R" on the ends of the cross, along with the feathered back of the eagle, attached to a chain with alternating charms linked together, featuring a 12 mm x 13.5 mm dual crowned black double-headed eagle with a shield on its chest illustrating Saint George slaying the dragon (four in total), a 9.5 mm red multi-rayed medallion with a blue Saint Andrew's Cross and the letters "S, A, P, R" in the voids of the cross (four in total) and a 12.3 mm x 13.8 mm trophy of arms with the center portion in blue displaying the cypher of Peter the Great in gold (four in total), measuring approximately 70 mm x 85 mm overall, intact enamels, near mint.

Footnote: The Imperial Order of Saint Andrew was Czarist Russia's highest Order, founded by Peter the Great on November 28, 1698. His instituting of this order was one of many ways that he tried to westernize the then extremely primitive Russian nation. It was bestowed only by the Czar and on his decision, and was rarely conferred and then only to the highest and most distinguished military leaders and officials of the Empire. Any recipient of this Order became automatically a Knight of the Order of Saint Alexander-Nevsky, the White Eagle, the first class of Saint Anne and the first class of Saint Stanislav.