Features beautifully executed center medallion, far more detailed and colorful than the later issues by the same maker. The translucent red enamel on the arms of the cross is likewise of trademark early quality. On the reverse, there is a very clearly visible maker mark AK under the red enamel on the reverse lower arm and a double-headed eagle warrant on the upper arm. The

Features beautifully executed center medallion, far more detailed and colorful than the later issues by the same maker. The translucent red enamel on the arms of the cross is likewise of trademark early quality. On the reverse, there is a very clearly visible maker mark AK under the red enamel on the reverse lower arm and a double-headed eagle warrant on the upper arm. The eyelet shows gold hallmark "56" with the crossed anchors and scepter of the St. Petersburg assay inspection (the latter is only partly stamped but clearly recognizable). Combined with the AK maker mark, this type of gold hallmark indicates the period of manufacture between 1882 - when Albert Keibel inherited the jewelry firm from his father Julius aka Ivan Keibel - and 1899 when the style of assay marks changed to "Kokoshnik".

The order is in very fine to excellent condition. The red enamel is overall well-preserved having only some hairlines on the obverse near the outer edge of the right arm. The enamel in this area however is still sound and free of chips or significant flaking; because its surface is almost completely unaffected, the damage is not very conspicuous or detractive (its extent is hugely exaggerated in our enlarged photos taken under bright studio lights). Elsewhere, the red enamel is essentially perfect, having only some microscopic contact marks invisible to the naked eye. The enamel exhibits beautiful luster throughout.

The center medallion is pristine and retains lovely vibrant original colors. The vignettes between the arms and medallion are original and firmly attached. The badge comes on an original 35 mm wide St. Anne ribbon folded into a triangle and mounted with a European-style brass grommet and hook attachment. It is interesting to see that as the ribbon started fraying with the passage of time, the original owner wrapped another, 25-mm St. Anne ribbon around it to "spruce it up" (in our view, this arrangement adds a great deal of character to the award). Both ribbons are undoubtedly of Imperial era, and both now show a degree of wear while remaining sound and presentable. The small connecting link in unmarked gold appears to be of the period.

Overall, a very attractive example of the Order of St. Anne from the late XIX Century.
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