An extremely rare Russian-made 2nd Class Set. Neck Badge in Silver, with chiseled and pierced rays; gold-bordered, enameled centre medallion within double outer circlet of chiseled silver; typical suspension and ribbon ring with reverse hook; gilt reverse side, counter-medallion with “ДО” and St. Petersburg silver marks. Breast Star with chiseled and pierced silver rays, gold-bordered enameled centre medallion with the couching lion; green enameled outer circlet with applied, laurel wreath made of finely engraved and chiseled laurel wreath; gilt reverse, with vertical, broad pin; the countermedallion, also with “ДО” and St. Petersburg silver marks, original ribbon. A very fine and rare set, made by 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). The jeweller, made this group after the typical design of Imperial Austrian awards, thus allowing us to presume his apprenticeship, having been done in Austria. Dim.: the badge, 150,0x65,0 mm. (incl. suspension); the star, 74,5 mm. I RR!