Russia, Imperial. An Order of Saint Stanislaus, II Class Cross in Gold with Crown & Photograph, by Julius Keibel

(Знак Императорского и Царского Ордена Св. Станислава 2-й ст. с
императорской короной). Instituted 8 May 1765 by Stanisław II August of Poland;
incorporated into Russian orders 1831 by Tsar Nicholas I. (1831-1917 issue).
Constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with
each arm completing in ball finials and ribbed fans, the obverse of the arms finish with
dark red enamels and joined through the quadrants by Imperial Russian double-headed
eagles executed in exceptional detail, bearing a central white enameled medallion
overlaid by a hand-painted and interlaced red monogram of Saint Stanislaus in Latin
characters, situated within a circular Gold laurel wreath with leaves completed in
delicate green enamels, the reverse bearing an analogous central white enameled
medallion overlaid by a hand-painted red monogram, the twelve o’clock arm topped by
an integral loop culminating in a swivel hinge, the former connecting to an ornate crown
suspension constructed of gold with details executed in striking multi-coloured enamels
through both the obverse and reverse, with a loop emanating from the reverse for
ribbon suspension, reverse of the ring stamped with a zolotnik mark of “56” indicating
14K Gold construction, a symbol of the city of St. Petersburg, and a hallmark of “ІК” for
Julius Keibel, the six o’clock arm similarly marked with the hallmark of Julius Keibel,
with the twelve o’clock arm bearing a royal warrant, the cross measuring 45.30 mm (w)
x 49.44 mm (h), the crown measuring 31.22 mm (w) x 23.15 mm (h), weighing 22.8
rams overall, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels with some chipping to the
laurel wreath, a superb and fine-quality example produced c. 1877 in extremely fine
condition.
Accompanied by a recipient photograph, depicted in uniform and with the Order of Saint
Stanislaus, an Order of Saint Anna, and an indeterminate medal, presented on a
cabinet card-style backer bearing multiple studio marks of “CH. BERGAMASCO, ST.
PETERSBOURG”, measuring 11 cm (w) x 16.5 cm (h), demonstrating some creasing
with profound lines and a slight tear to the upper left corner (viewed from the obverse),
in very fine condition.