Instituted in Poland in 1765, introduced in Imperial Russia in 1831.
Gold rimmed dark red enamel, 8-pointed cross w. Russian gold Imperial eagle between arms, and w. white enamelled medailon in center with monograme "S". On backside hallmark on the upper arm of the cross, and signature on the lower arm. A beautiful piece though slightly repaired, as shown on the photograph in upper right corner.
