Jewelled, Russian-made Set of 2nd Class. Neck Badge in Silver, completely set with white, cut pastes; the rays alternated by six beams set with green, cut stones; gold-bordered, enameled centre medallion with the couching lion and rising sun; gilt reverse with convex counter-medallion, struck with “ДО” of Dmitry Ivanovich Osipov, active in St. Petersburg before 1899 (see G.A. Tammann: “Imperial Russian Maker’s Marks on Orders and Decorations”, London, Spink, 1993, pp. 11 and 36-37) and Kokoshnik marks; typical suspension, also set with white pastes; ribbon ring also struck with “ДО” mark; original neck ribbon with ties. Breast Star of the same manufacture, richly set with white pastes and small beams set with green stones; finely enameled centre medallion within gold border; gilt reverse with screwback suspension (the round counter-plate with “ПВ”, Kokoshnik and two French “swan”
marks; the convex nut, with Kokoshnik mark. An attractive, rare group, of the best Russian quality, surely belonged to a high court dignitary or minister; extremely fine condition.
Dim.: the badge, 105,0x69,0 mm.; the star, 81,0 mm. I RR!