Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky, Type II (ca. 1819-1855), Cross

SKU: 01.RUS.0104.101.01

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Estimated market value:

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Attributes

country

Russia
date of institution

1724
makers

Albert Keibel ; Eduard ; Wilhelm Keibel; Julius Keibel; Dmitri Osipov; Nichols & Plinke; Karl Schubert; Imanuel Pannasch (all from St. Petersburg); and other Russian makers. Russian awards were also manufactured by Austrian, German, French and other European makers.
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.

This Order could be awarded, at the sovereign's discretion, with diamonds to a particularly deserving individual. The badge could be worn on the left hip.

There were many variations of this badge, including a non-Christian version with the Russian Imperial Eagle in the centre, as opposed to a likeness of the saint. Saint Alexander Nevsky may be facing either the left or right.

The badge can either be surmounted by a small crown, a large red crown or a large golden crown.

The versions with red glass are an earlier model of the Order, and the versions with swords are awarded for military merit.

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

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