Russia, Imperial. An Order of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse overlaid across the quadrants by griffins clutching swords and shield, with white enameled arms and a central white enameled disc, the latter bearing a gilt profile of St. Nicholas of Myra, set within a gilt ring, the reverse bearing a disc overlaid by a Russian Cyrillic inscription of “ВЕЛ. МИРОВ ВОЙНА” (“GREAT WORLD WAR”), circumscribing dates “1914-1917”, unmarked, measuring 35.12 mm (w) x 38.70 mm (h), weighing 20.8 grams (inclusive of ribbon), the reverse disc has been detached from the cross and some flecking is evident to the enamels, in overall very fine condition.