Russia, Imperial. An Order of Saint Anne, III Class Cross with Swords, by Eduard, c.1900

(Орден Святой Анны). Instituted on February 14th, 1735. A lovely St. Anne, constructed of 14K Gold, consisting of a red enamelled cross with ornamented Gold patterns and swords in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a white enamelled centerpiece bearing the hand-painted figure of St. Anna, the reverse with a similar white enamelled medallion, bearing the hand-painted initials “A.I.P.F.” for the Latin “Anna Imperatoris Petri Filia” (Anna, Emperor Peter’s Daughter), suspended from a raised integral ring and double-looped oval suspension ring for suspension from its period-original medium-length neck ribbon, marked “56” for 14kt Gold purity, marks “BA” and “Эдуард” (Eduard) set into the enamels of the reverse arms, measuring 43.49 mm (w) x 47.75 mm (h), weighs 21.40 grams, worn on original neck ribbon with black ties on the ends, kokoshnik marks on the sword hilts and suspension loop, enamels intact, light wear, in extremely fine condition.