A First Class set of the Order with jewelled star; Sash Badge in Gold as a red enameled Maltese cross with ball finials, flanked by finely chiseled Russian eagles and the arms’ ends enriched by the typical “bows”; white enameled obverse centre medallion, bearing the separately-made, red enameled, golden monogram “SS”, within outer circlet with green enameled laurel wreath; the reverse with red enameled arms (very rare and seen on early badges only) and white enameled centre medallion, bearing the miniature- painted monogram “SS”, within grooved, golden outer circlet; round suspension loop struck with Russian marks, and gold-wire, original ribbon ring; with the original sash ribbon. First Class Breast Star of the Order, with chiseled silver rays, made in a pattern close to the Austrian one, white enameled centre medallion bearing the richly ornamented red enameled monogram “ss”, within golden, beaded border; white enameled outer circlet bearing the Order’s motto “PRÆMIANDO INCITAT” made of chiseled gold and thin, golden, beaded border; the whole within green enameled circlet enriched with three beautifully made groups of laurel leaves and flowers; around, a further border, set with pastes; the reverse and the vertical pin, struck with “935” silver mark and a further control mark with a tower.
A beautiful and most probably unique set of exceptional quality and luxurious appearance, surely belonged to a Prince or to a high ranking dignitary from ca. 1840; excellent condition.
Dim: the badge, 65,0 x 62,0 mm.; the star, dia.: 84,0 mm. I RR!