History

The Order of Saint Stanislaus was established by King Stanisław August Poniatowski in 1765 in honour of Saint Stanislaus, patron saint of Poland. It was awarded in the Kingdom of Poland from 1765-1807, revived by the Duchy of Warsaw in 1809, and then issued anew in 1815 by Tsar Alexander I ruling as King of Poland. It was awarded by the Tsar until 1831 when it was permanently taken over by the Russian Empire.

The Order was conferred in recognition of meritorious service to the Polish crown. Members were originally required to provide proof of at least four quarters of nobility, but after 1815 membership was extended to other civilians and military personnel. The original statutes outline a limit of 100 Knights, although this regulation was never followed by the King. From 1765-1795, 1774 Knights were appointed to the Order.

The IV Class Cross features the image and cypher of Saint Stanislaus on the obverse medallion and eagles between the arms of the cross. The eagles are uncrowned in the first version and crowned in the second version. The reverse medallion features initials that stand for “Stanislaus Augustus Rex” (King Stanisław August).

See also the Order of Saint Stanislaus (RUS108) in the Orders of Imperial Russia (1721-1917).