Russia, Imperial. An Order of Saint Stanislaus, Military Division II Class Cross in Gold, c.1860

(Орден Святого Станислава, 2-я степень). Instituted in 1765. Type II (1856-1917). Constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with black enameled arms completing in ball finials and with ribbed fans adorning the outer edges, with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, overlaid on each quadrant by finely-detailed Romanov imperial eagles, featuring a central white enameled medallion bearing a Gold and enameled monogram of Saint Stanislaus, set within a circular laurel leaf wreath highlighted in green enamels, the reverse featuring a central white enameled medallion bearing a gilded and enameled monogram of Saint Stanislaus, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an integral loop with suspension ring and period original ribbon, the loop stamped with illegible marks, measuring 44.54 mm (w) x 45.85 mm (h), weighing 17.6 grams, with some flecking of enamels evident in addition to a small chip to the reverse twelve o’clock arm, a rare and high-quality example in extremely fine condition.