Hi Chuck The image that I sent of the black enamel St Stanislas is from a museum in Russia. My ancestor, who was a colonel on the Russian General staff, was awarded a similar one, but without the crown on top. I have been told that the black enamelled version was in use between 1820 and 1850, but as I heard that only third hand, I am interested in anyone else's interpretation. I had earlier hears a story that the black enamelled versions were for recipients who were not members of the Russian orthodox Church, for example Muslims from the asiatic provinces, but I have never seen a word of confirmation of that opinion, and currently think that it is not true in the case of this St Stanislas. Treloarth
