181 Imperial Russia: Order of Saint Catherine.

A  HIGHLY IMPORTANT OVAL BADGE OF GRAND DUCHESS CATHERINE ALEXEJEWNA, THE FUTURE EMPRESS CATHERINE THE GREAT.

Gold. The obverse in convex enamels, reverse concave. Surmounted by the Imperial Russian Crown. Obverse with Russian double headed Eagle holding the insignia of the Imperial Russian Order of Saint Catherine and sorounded by the inscription:

„CATHARINA ALEXIAS MAGN. DUX OMN. RUSS. DUX REGN. SLESV. HOLST. PR: ANH.“

• ( Catherine Alexejewna Grand Duchess of Russia Reigning Duchess of Slesvig Holstein, Princess of Anhalt).

The reverse with an allegorical scene of the future Empress Catherine II. Her portrait resting on an obelisc with an eagle holding a laurel wreath. On the base the inscription in German: „SIE erhält allenthalben den Preiß“ (She will always receive the price). On the steps Mars, the god of war, handing her a laurel wreath. His shield is depicting a female allegorical figure with the Anhalt Coat of Arms). On the right side Minerva with her shield showing the initials „CAGF” (Catherine Alexejewa Grand Duchess). On the lower end of the medallion a small shield enamelled on both sides with the date: „18 Augustum MDCCXLIX“ (August 18th 1749).

This badge is an outstanding and unique decoration made for the future Empress Catherine the Great similar to the Imperial Portrait Decorations probably in connection with the Imperial Order of Saint Catherine.

Catherine had come to Russia in 1744 and was married to the future Tsar Peter III. on September 1st 1745. She overthrew him in a courageous „coup d’état” in 1762 and took over the government herself. The 34 years of her reign as an Empress until her death in 1796 are considered one of the most glorious periods of Russian history.

The magnificent quality of workmanship strongly suggests that this precious badge is a unique award and of the highest rarity.