Russia, Imperial. An Order of Saint Stanislaus, Grand Cross Star with Swords by Eduard, c.1914

(Орден Святого Станислава). Instituted 1765. (House of Romanov). Type II (1856-1917). Military Division. The star of the order, in silver, consisting of eight distinctive arms, each composed of a cluster of individual smooth rays, with silver gilt swords overlaid, obverse centre extremely well executed, presenting a red enamelled "SS" on white enamel (Saint Stanislaus), with silver gilt motto of the order in PRAEMIANDO INCITAT (Rewarding Encourages) on white enamels, outer surround composed of silver gilt laurels on a green enamel background, reverse with principle pin assembly, thoroughly hallmarked including a kokoshnik assay mark on pin, reverse of 3 & 9 o'clock arms, a zolotniki silver fineness number "84" (875 Silver), and maker marked on back plate BA and "ЗДУАРАЪ" denoting Eduard-VD (Varvara Dietwald) of St. Petersburg manufacture, measuring 91.2 mm (w) x 90 mm (h), weighs 82.8 grams, minor enamel contact, otherwise extremely fine.

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.The obverse features an inscription, translated as "Encourages by Rewarding."