Order of the White Eagle, Type I, Civil Division, Set of Insignia

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.RUS.0106.102.01.100

Estimated market value:

$550,000 USD

Estimated market value:

$550,000 USD

Attributes

Country

Russia
Makers

Badge, Emanuel Pannasch; Star, Nicholls& Plinke A St. Petersburg
Version Remarks

Sold by Morton & Eden Ltd. for £852,000 in June 2010. The order of White Eagle became a Russian order in 1831, and the first type badge (1831-1856) features a large crown without blue ribbons. During this period official stars were issued only as embroidered versions (although metal stars could have been obtained as private purchase insignia). Value of higher-end Russian Orders varies greatly; value depends on period and quality of manufacture, maker and the provenance; as well as value of Russian currency and general economic situation in Russia. A very rare early award.

Physical Description and Item Details

Order of the White Eagle, Set of Insignia, comprising:
(i) Sash badge, by Emanuel Pannasch, St. Petersburg, 1836, in two-colour gold and enamels, in the form of a white enamelled eagle on a Maltese Cross over black enamelled Imperial eagle, with Imperial crown suspension linked to eagles’ heads, rev.,centre with white enamelled cross with red border on plain gold rays and gold MARIA monogram, 100 x 62.5mm, very slight enamel chip at base of orb, good extremely fine and of heavy weight, with original sash;
(ii) Breast star, by Nicholls & Plincke, St. Petersburg and commissioned circa 1837-39, in silver-gilt, the motto of the Order PRO FIDE REGE ET LEGE (For Faith, King and Law) in gold letters on a blue enamelled background, the centre with red and white enamelled cross, gold central rosette and silver rays on gold background, rev., with backplate stamped NICHOLLS & PLINCKE A ST. PETERSBOURG, fitted with Russian style screw-back suspension with plain separate silver screw-plate (this replacing vertical brooch-type suspension, traces of which remain), 84mm, good extremely fine, toned; the set housed in a purpose-made maroon leather case, the lid stamped WHITE EAGLE OF RUSSIA. in gold, with silk lining stamped ‘Rundell, Bridge & Co. Jewellers & Goldsmiths To The Queen, and Royal Family, 32 Ludgate Hill.’

History

This was originally a Polish Order, created by Augustus II, King of Poland in 1705.

This award was primarily conferred upon Polish nationals within Russia, but was later adopted as a Russian Order after the conclusion of the Polish rebellions in 1831, as a deliberate political act by Czar Nicholas I as a way to deprive the Polish ruling classes of power and decision-making capabilities.

The breast star with swords are awarded to military personnel.

The obverse features an inscription, translated as "For Faith, King, and Law".

The earliest stars were embroidered silver.

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