95 Imperial Russia: ORDER OF SAINT CATHERINE - 1st Class Sash Badge.
Important decoration of the order from the 2nd half of the 19th century.
Century. Gold and enamel. On especially beautiful original sash. Loop is missing.
The medallion border, the arched cross rays and the agraffe set with fine cushion shaped diamonds as well as rose cut diamonds. The diamonds mounted in silver.
The cross rays back with gold doubling and finely engraved volute-shaped decorations.
The medallion in very fine enamel painting. The lapel medallion with wear-related hairline cracks and small chips.
The Order of St. Catherine 1st Class was an extremely exclusive award and was given only to the Tsarina and the princesses of the Imperial House of Russia as well as to foreign queens and in very few cases to princesses who were related to the Tsar's house and ladies of the Russian and European high nobility.
The piece of order insignia offered here is of magnificent jeweler's quality which can hardly be surpassed. Especially the plastic curved cross arms contribute to the elegant appearance of this piece.
One of the best gems of this order offered at auction so far.