Russia, Imperial. An Order of Saint Andrew, I Class, c. 1925

(Знак ордена Святого Андрея Первозванного). Instituted 28 November 1698. Likely of French manufacture, circa 1925, constructed of silver gilt with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a crowned double-headed Romanov Imperial Eagle with black enamelled spread wings highlighted with Gold feathering, overlaid by a blue enamelled Saint Andrew’s Cross, bearing a superimposed Saint Andrew the Apostle and Latin script letters “SAPR” for “SANCTUS ANDREAS PATRONUS RUSSIAE” (SAINT ANDREW, PATRON OF RUSSIA), the reverse continues with the fine detailing of the eagle’s feathers and presents a white enamelled scroll with gilt Cyrillic inscription of “ЗА ВѢРУ И ВѢРНОСТЬ” (“FOR FAITH AND LOYALTY”), with two visible rivets holding the obverse features in place, the eagles’ heads with dual integral loops and suspension rings connecting to an intricate and enamelled crown, the reverse with a clip connecting to the badge’s period original sash ribbon, the badge unmarked and measuring 59.71mm (w) x 85.10mm (h – including the crown), with a total weight of 65.5 grams, minor enamel chip to crown, of fine quality manufacture, unmarked, slightly worn, in extremely fine condition.