Physical Description

A Cross hummetty, constructed of gilt, enamel, and diamonds. The arms are enamelled in red. In between the cross arms are golden flames, adorned with a diamond each. The obverse centre medallion has an oval shape and features Saint Anna in painted enamel, with the inscription ‘A. I. P. F.’ (‘Amantibus Iustitiam, Pietatem, Fidem’ = ‘to who loves justice, piety, and loyalty’) to the left. The medallion ring is smooth, raised, and golden. The reverse is similar, except that the cross arms are golden and the centre medallion features the crowned monogram ‘A’ on white enamel. On a loop for suspension, on a red ribbon with white embroidery on the sides.

History

The Order of St. Anne was established on February 14, 1735, by Duke Carl Friedrich of Holstein-Gottorp in commemoration of his late wife, Anna Petrovna, who was the daughter of Peter the Great of Russia. The order was also established as the Imperial Order of Saint Anna in Russia, and as such, it had the dual status as a state order and a dynastic order.

The Gold Cross features red enamel work and a portrait of St. Anna in the centre of the obverse.

The Gold Cross was awarded 427 times.