Russia, Imperial. An Order of St. Stanislaus, II Class Cross in Gold by Julius Keibel, c. 1880

(Орден Святого Станислава). Instituted 7 May 1765 by Stanislaus II Augustus Pontiakowski. Reinstituted by Tsar Nicholas I in 1832. Type II (1856-1917). A lovely decoration, constructed of Gold, a red-enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, featuring Russian double-headed imperial eagles in each quadrant, also presenting semi-circles rays between the tips of the cross, obverse centre with hand-painted “SS” letters on a white-enamelled background, surrounded by an enamelled green laurel wreath, the reverse showing plain Gold arms as well as a white-enamelled centre, with hand-painted “SS” in red, reverse stamped by Russian coat of arms on the 12 o’clock arm, symbolising approving by the Tsar, marked by maker’s mark “IK” of Julius Keibel from St. Petersberg on the six o’clock arm, marked “*56” (for 14 Kt. Gold), measuring 45.95mm (w) x 50.40 mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 20.4 grams, enamels intact, light wear to obverse green enamelled wreath on medallion, in near mint condition.

Accompanied by an unofficial case of reddish-brown leatherette with a crème coloured suede and silk interior, measures 103mm (w) x 113mm (h) x 21mm (d), catch and hinge functional, light wear, very fine condition.