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

SKU: 01.RUS.0103.102.01

Estimated market value:

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Estimated market value:

$ Click to See Price/Value

Attributes

country

Russia
date of institution

1724
makers

Imanuel Pannasch, St. Petersburg
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.

The Breast Star "with diamonds" is awarded, at the sovereign's discretion, to an individual as a special distinction.

The obverse features an inscription, translated as "For Labour and Fatherland". Though some of the breast stars do not have an obverse inscription and instead feature an image of Alexander Nevsky.

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