Imperial Russia Unknown Russian Order (possibly a one off)

[paul wood]

A friend of mine who specialises in Russian W of A and who I help from time to time has sent an intriguing photo of a Russian noble lady wearing a peculiar diamond order, something I have never encountered before.

The badge is similar to the Order of St Andrew but instead of the Saint in the centre there is the image of the Madonna and Child, also the ribbon is similar to that of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky rather than the blue Order of St Andrew ribbon.

Is it a one off order preceding the Order of St Catherine.

Any help gratefully received.

Paulhttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2014/post-3085-0-27395600-1395311550.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2014/post-3085-0-46415600-1395311586.jpg

[Rogi]

Very interesting pieces Hmm could it be the artist's own creation? I've seen a lot of artists adjust orders and medals to fit the situation.

Could also be something non-Russian but nothing springs to mind

Another possibility that it reminds me of, is a Court homage, to say a royal family, custom producers produce similar pieces as to this one that showed the wearers affection towards the Czar.

Will be interesting to see what other members say really intrigued by this order :D

Edited March 20, 2014 by Rogi

[Elmar Lang]

Hello,

I see only now this interesting question.

The imperial Russian double-eagle appears in the portrait as set with diamonds, the breast, charged with the Holy Virgin.

I remember I've seen such a piece already some years ago, in a miniature-portrait of a possibly Russian/Kurlandian noble lady, among other pieces from the estate of a branch of the von Anrep-Elmpt family.

I don't know the whereabouts of this portrait now, but I've been told that the decoration was the badge or (I can better explain in German) the "Stiftsdekoration" of a Russian Chapter of Noble dames, as widely used in Austria and Germany.

I apologize for not being able to give more information though.

Best wishes,

E.L.

Edited April 3, 2014 by Elmar Lang

[paul wood]

Thank you so much for the information most helpful

Paul

[Elmar Lang]

You're welcome!

[T.M.T.]

Please help me with any details about this order (Russian order ?!). Dimensions 37 mm.

[paul wood]

Rather poor imitation of the Russian Order of St George (It can't be Russian Federation though the quality is somewhat better than that)

Paul