Russia, Imperial. An Order of St. Anne, I Class Badge, French Manufacture, c.1880

A silver cross with red enamels and centerpiece with hand painted St. Anne, flower suspension, on original ribbon, hallmarked on loop with boars head as well as makers mark double struck French maker, marked with boars head on integral ring, measuring at 52.46mm (w) x 62.06mm (h-to top of flower suspension) and weighing at 38.2 grams, on replacement sash, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of St. Anne was founded in memory of Schleswig-Holstein's wife Anna Petrovna (daughter of Peter the Great). Emperor Paul I established the Order as purely Russian. It was initially awarded for distinguished civil merit, and was expanded as a military award for war service after 1855. The award was conferred by Duke Frederick of Schleswig-Holstein in memory of his wife Anna Petrovna, and was not considered a Russian award. The Type I Order was awarded only one Colonel, the Col. E.I. Vlastov. The insignia of St. Anne on the badge and the cross on the star was changed to the Imperial Eagle when awarded to non-Christians.