In silver, measures 119.9 mm in height (incl. the eyelet), 60.4 mm in width. Weighs 86.8 g not including the chain. This massive and exceptionally beautiful piece features a crucifix in high 3-d profile, far more detailed than what we typically see on pectoral crosses of its type. The body of Christ, halo around His head, His cross with the Cyrillic inscription "IНЦI" (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"), and the octagon-shaped eyelet are separate parts superimposed on the large cross. The reverse has an inscribed quote in Church Slavonic from St. Paul's message t

In silver, measures 119.9 mm in height (incl. the eyelet), 60.4 mm in width. Weighs 86.8 g not including the chain. This massive and exceptionally beautiful piece features a crucifix in high 3-d profile, far more detailed than what we typically see on pectoral crosses of its type. The body of Christ, halo around His head, His cross with the Cyrillic inscription "IНЦI" (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"), and the octagon-shaped eyelet are separate parts superimposed on the large cross. The reverse has an inscribed quote in Church Slavonic from St. Paul's message to St. Timothy: "Be an example to the believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). In the lower part under the quote is an engraved cypher of Nicholas II. To the left of it, there are three hallmarks. The largest, oval-shaped hallmark is a 1908-style silver purity mark 84 with a "Kokoshnik" and a Greek character ν ("Nu"), the designation of the Kiev assay inspection. The smaller round hallmark with Kokoshnik is an assayer's certification mark. The rectangular hallmark with Cyrillic letters ИП ("IP") is a maker mark of an unknown Kiev jeweler. Additionally, there is a round "Kokoshnik" assayer's hallmark to the wider side of the eyelet.

The cross comes with the original chain in base metal, approx. 120 cm (48") in overall length. The total weight of the cross with the chain, connecting ring and adjustment hook is 159.6 g.

The hardwood case of issue measures 179 mm long x 108 mm wide x 36 mm deep (outside measurements). Its bottom part has a nest for the cross lined in soft navy-blue velvet and a separate compartment for the chain. The inside lid has a soft protective cushioning lined in navy-blue satin. Just like the cross itself, the box is in superb condition. Its hook closure is original and functions flawlessly. The hinges are perfectly tight. There are no dents or significant scuffing, only a few barely noticeable dings and one or two minor scratches; the dark walnut finish on the exterior is nice and smooth. There is only a very minimal wear to the lining on the inside, no tears or stains.

The entire ensemble is nothing short of extraordinary. Although the "Nicholas II" priest's crosses in silver occasionally appear on the market in the countries that used to be a part of the Russian Empire, we practically never see them offered with the original case! It is also worth repeating that both the quality and condition of this particular piece is much above what we normally see.

This pectoral cross of this type was originally established to commemorate the coronation of Nicholas II in 1896, and thus bears the monogram of the last ruling emperor of Russia. Issued to all ordained priests (but not to the lower clergy such as church deacons), it became a part of the Russian Orthodox tradition ever since, a practice that continued even after the Bolshevik revolution and subsequent persecution of the Church. The piece offered here was apparently issued from 1908-1917 to a newly ordained priest in Kiev (Kyiv) province, possibly one of the clergymen of the famous Kiev Pechersk Lavra which prior to the upheaval of 1917 had been the nerve center of Russian Orthodox Christianity.
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