Order of Saint Andrew the First-Called, Badge with Diamonds
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.RUS.0101.105.01.001
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
A magnificent and highly important diamond-set Badge of the Order of St. Andrew, unsigned, circa 1800 with central finely-enamelled figure of the Saint on Cross, with diamond borders and letters SAPR, supported on a crowned double-headed eagle formed entirely of diamonds except for ruby eyes and gold beaks and claws, the gold reverse delicately engraved to simulate plumage and carrying a later-applied gold plaquette engraved [-insert Russian text-] The Empress Maria Fedorovna agreed to wear this Badge, November 26th 1890, with pivoting Imperial Crown suspension also set with diamonds and fitted with gold riband-carrier and two retaining hooks for wear from either a Sash or Collar, slight wear to the enamel on the Saint's left arm, in excellent condition overall
The Order was initially designed by Peter the Great in 1698, but it was not officially instituted until 1699.
It was considered the highest Order of Chivalry in the Russian Empire, and it was awarded for acts of extraordinary military or civil merit.
Recipients of this Order were automatically conferred the Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky, the Order of the White Eagle, the Order of Saint Anne (I Class only), and the Order of Saint Stanislaus (I Class only).
Low ranking recipients automatically moved up to the position of Lieutenant General or Vice Admiral.
The statutes for the Order were created in 1720, but were never officially approved by Peter the Great. Since the Tsar controlled the production of this Order, a number of variations exist.
This Order was discontinued during the USSR, and re-instituted as the most prestigious Russian Order by the Russian Federation in 1998.
The Order awards with diamonds were a special distinction and they were added to the award at the expense of the recipient.
When not worn with the collar, the badge could be worn at the left hip, on a particular sash.
The reverse features an inscription, translated as "For Faith and Loyalty".
There is limited information regarding this item.
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