IMPERIAL RUSSIA, ORDER OF SAINT CATHERINE, THE GREAT MARTYRE - Lot 234

IMPERIAL RUSSIA, ORDER OF SAINT CATHERINE, THE GREAT MARTYRE, silver 800°/°° and 14K (585°/°°) gold set with claw-set old-cut diamonds, the enamel-painted obverse central medallion depicting the seated saint and centered on a diamond-set Latin cross within a double diamond-set frame, jagged and round respectively, from which rise four branches alternating four small and three large rays. The reverse medallion is also enamel-painted with a lively scene of a bird on a rock, surmounted by the motto "AEQUAT MUNIA COMPARIS", the spokes partially chased with foliage. The oblong hoop is removable and held to the jewel by an invisible removable hook. Probably privately made in the late 19th/early 20th century, no apparent hallmark, engraved inventory number 44030. Overall height: 95 mm. Length: 60 mm. Gross weight: 50.5 g. (A diamond is missing from the second small radius of the upper branch from the right). History: Peter I founded the Order of Saint Catherine in 1713 to commemorate the heroic deeds of his wife, the future Empress Catherine I. The Order was awarded to her on May 1, 1713. It was awarded on November 24, 1714, her feast day. The decoration was initially intended for the empress alone. Although the Order's statutes were drawn up at the time of its institution, it was not until the end of the century, in 1797, that they were promulgated in their definitive form by Paul I, along with those of the knighthoods of Saint Andrew, Saint Alexander Nevsky and Saint Anne. The Order was confirmed and divided into two classes: the Ladies of the Large Cross and the Ladies of the Small Cross. The number of ladies holding the former was limited to twelve, and the latter to ninety-four, and the Empress was Grand Mistress of the Order for life. All female members of the imperial family received the Grand Cross of the Order, as did members of foreign imperial and royal families and, in exceptional cases, highly distinguished ladies of the Russian aristocracy. Recipients of the smallest cross were ladies of the Russian aristocracy and the wives of eminent foreigners. Bibliography: Ulla Tillander-Godenhielm, The Russian Imperial Award System 1894-1917, Helsinki, 2005, pp. 101-104.