In gold and enamels. Measures 49.1 mm in height incl. eyelet, 43.8 mm in width; weighs 13.8 g not including the golden connecting link and ribbon. The award exhibits trademark superb quality of the early Keibel issues. Note in particular the magnificent enamel on the arms which is of very dark, nearly Bordeaux color yet fully reveals the hand-cut guilloche pattern to the gold surface underneath. The artwork of the medallion is stunning, its destabilization and vibrant yet beautifully balanced colors markedly superior to typical production of the same Keibel firm from the early

In gold and enamels. Measures 49.1 mm in height incl. eyelet, 43.8 mm in width; weighs 13.8 g not including the golden connecting link and ribbon. The award exhibits trademark superb quality of the early Keibel issues. Note in particular the magnificent enamel on the arms which is of very dark, nearly Bordeaux color yet fully reveals the hand-cut guilloche pattern to the gold surface underneath. The artwork of the medallion is stunning, its destabilization and vibrant yet beautifully balanced colors markedly superior to typical production of the same Keibel firm from the early XX C. or even the last decade of the XIX C.

Marked "IK" (Julius Keibel) on the reverse lower arm under the enamel and shows the Imperial warrant of a double-headed eagle on the reverse upper arm. The eyelet has a gold hallmark "56" and an assayer's hallmark with a clearly visible 1865 date of manufacture.

The order is in excellent condition which is extremely rare for a Russian decoration of such an early vintage. The obverse in particular is essentially pristine: the red enamel is completely free of any wear other than a couple of microscopic contact marks that are just barely noticeable under a 10x loupe. The obverse of the center medallion is likewise perfect and the image remains unfaded and bright. The reverse has some minuscule scratches to the arms, mainly under the eyelet, that are neither very noticeable nor detractive. On both sides, the red enamel fully retains its original luster. The center medallion on the reverse has no more than a couple of microscopic contact marks invisible to the naked eye, otherwise perfect. As is often the case, the center medallion is not firmly affixed and may rotate around the vertical axis if pushed. It is easy however to return it to the normal position by pushing gently clock- or counterclockwise with a fingertip, and it will remain in place if undisturbed.

The golden embellishments between the arms are firmly attached, sound, and have not been repaired or reattached. The badge comes on a suspension loop in unmarked gold which appears to be of the period. Also included is an original full-length neck ribbon in silk moiré measuring approx. 44 cm in overall length, 4.5 cm in width. The ends of the ribbon are neatly folded and sewn-in, exactly as worn by the original owner, and even one of the attachment ties at its ends is still present. Although the ribbon has been folded for storage and shows moderate degree of fading and wear, it will display beautifully adding a great deal of character to the award.

The Keibel jewelry firm was the primary supplier of orders for the Russian Court and the Kapitul (Chancellery) starting from the 1840s. Its early pieces bearing the Wilhelm or Julius Keibel markings are renowned for their exceptional quality. They are also very scarce, especially in upper classes and showing an early version of the hallmark with the year of manufacture. The vast majority of these were returned to the Chancellery upon the death of the award recipients and in most instances, scrapped.
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