Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky, Type I (1725- c.1819) Cross

SKU: 01.RUS.0103.101.01

Estimated market value:

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  • Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky Badge Obverse

Attributes

  • country
    Russia
  • date of institution
    1724
  • makers
    Albert Keibel ; Eduard ; Wilhelm Keibel; Julius Keibel; Dmitri Osipov; Nichols & Plinke; Karl Schubert; Imanuel Pannasch (all from St. Petersburg); and other Russian makers. Russian awards were also manufactured by Austrian, German, French and other European makers.
  • remarks
    The first type of the Order (1725- c.1819) features glass arms of the cross while the star was embroidered; the second type (ca. 1819-1855) features enamelled arms of the cross, and "broad" eagles, with wings almost touching, while the star started to be manufactured in silver, silver gilt/Gold, with enamelled center; the third type (ca. 1855-1917) features enamelled arms of the cross, and "slender" eagles, while the star continued to be manufactured in silver, silver gilt/Gold, with an enamelled center. Since the creation of the Order by Empress Catherine I, the insignia of the order had undergone substantial variations in respect to size and design. Value of higher-end Russian Orders varies greatly; value depends on period and quality of manufacture, maker and the provenance; as well as value of Russian currency and general economic situation in Russia. A rare award.

History


Conceived as a purely military order by Peter the Great, this Order was never awarded during the Czar's lifetime. Empress Catherine I began to award the Order after her husband's death, although she did not award it solely for military pursuits. The USSR adopted this Order and secularized it.

This Order could be awarded, at the sovereign's discretion, with diamonds to a particularly deserving individual. The badge could be worn on the left hip.

There were many variations of this badge, including a non-Christian version with the Russian Imperial Eagle in the centre, as opposed to a likeness of the saint. Saint Alexander Nevsky may be facing either the left or right.

The badge can either be surmounted by a small crown, a large red crown or a large golden crown.

The versions with red glass are an earlier model of the Order, and the versions with swords are awarded for military merit.

This Order has been awarded approximately 3,750 times since its inception in 1724.

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Versions

  • Price

    N/A

  • Composition

    Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Rev: SA

  • Size

    54mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

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  • Price

    N/A

  • Composition

    Gold/Diamond/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Rev: SA

  • Size

    ca. 53-56mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    Crosses "with Diamonds" were awarded on rare occasions for "Exceptional Services". Crosses "in Diamonds" varies greatly in size and quali...

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  • Price

    $125,000 USD

  • Composition

    Gold/Enamelled/Glass

  • Inscription

    Rev: SA

  • Size

    ca. 54mm

  • Maker

    Russian, unknown

  • Version Remarks

    Estimated by Auktionshaus Andreas Thies for €120,000 in December 2011.

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