180 Imperial Russia: A truly magnificent Order of Saint Andrew early Collar Chain by Immanuel Pannasch, dated 1831.

A truly magnificent Order of Saint Andrew early Collar Chain by Immanuel Pannasch, dated 1831.

The 23 links of the collar chain feature gold and enameled construction. The collar chain consists of nine links with the Imperial Russian Double Headed Eagle, seven links with the crowned cypher of Tsar Peter I. and seven links with Saint Andrew's Cross and the initials "SAPR" (Saint Andrew Patron of Russia). 

The workmanship of this collar by Pannasch is unsurpassed in quality and represent the finest enamel andgoldsmith craftsmanship. Many of the links feature the St. Petersburg hallmarks on the obverse and reverse. 

Reverse of each link hallmarked "IP" for Immanuel Pannasch of Saint Petersburg (1773 - 1836), anchor's mark for the City of Saint Petersburg and year date mark "1831".

Minor chipping in places but overall in extremely fine condition.

The style of this collar chain is typical of this maker and features exquisite die struck hollow construction.   

A similar collar chain dated 1828 from the estate of the 6th Duke of Devonshire can be found at Chatsworth. Another dated 1835, was featured in the Hess Auction, Lucerne in 1968 and ended up in the legendary Collection of Paul Sandars, New York City. Finally, in Sotheby's Auction Geneva in 1991.

Dott. Antonio Spada illustrates a collar in his splendid reference work Onori e Glorie, Vol.II, p.176-177.

Historically important Saint Andrew Collar Chain and one of only very few known examples in a private collection outside of Russia today.

Totallength: 142 cm.

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