History

Originally this was a Polish Order created on May 7, 1765 by King Stanislaus II, to honour the Patron Saint of Poland, St. Stanislas of Krakow (see POL101).

This Order became a Russian Order after the Polish Rebellion of 1830, when Polish forces were suppressed. It was adopted as a Russian Order in 1831.

The version with an eagle was awarded to Non-Christians, and the version with swords was awarded to military personnel.

The obverse features the initals of the Saint.