- 38
The Order of the White Eagle, Set of Insignia
Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
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Description
- gold, enamel, silver, silk, leather
comprising:
(i) Sash badge, by Emanuel Pannasch, St Petersburg, 1836, in two-colour gold and enamel, in the form of a white enamelled eagle on a Maltese Cross over black enamelled Imperial eagle, with Imperial crown suspension linked to eagles’ heads, rev., centre with white enamelled cross with red border on plan gold rays and gold MARIA monogram, 100 x 62.5mm, suspending from original blue silk sash;
(ii) Breast star, by Nicholls & Plincke, St Petersburg, commissioned circa 1837-1839, in silver-gilt, the motto of the Order PRO FIDE REGE ET LEGE (For Faith, King and Law) in gold letters on a blue enamelled ground, the centre with red and white enamelled cross, gold central rosette and silver rays on gold background, rev., with backplate stamped NICHOLLS & PLINCKE A ST. PETERSBOURG, fitted with Russian style screw-back suspension with plain separate silver screw-plate (this replacing vertical brooch-type suspension, traces of which remain), 84mm
the set in a purpose-made burgundy leather case, the lid embossed WHITE EAGLE OF RUSSIA, in gold, with silk lining stamped ‘Rundell, Bridge & Co./ Jewellers & Goldsmiths/ To The Queen,/ and Royal Family,/ 32 Ludgate Hill.’
(i) Sash badge, by Emanuel Pannasch, St Petersburg, 1836, in two-colour gold and enamel, in the form of a white enamelled eagle on a Maltese Cross over black enamelled Imperial eagle, with Imperial crown suspension linked to eagles’ heads, rev., centre with white enamelled cross with red border on plan gold rays and gold MARIA monogram, 100 x 62.5mm, suspending from original blue silk sash;
(ii) Breast star, by Nicholls & Plincke, St Petersburg, commissioned circa 1837-1839, in silver-gilt, the motto of the Order PRO FIDE REGE ET LEGE (For Faith, King and Law) in gold letters on a blue enamelled ground, the centre with red and white enamelled cross, gold central rosette and silver rays on gold background, rev., with backplate stamped NICHOLLS & PLINCKE A ST. PETERSBOURG, fitted with Russian style screw-back suspension with plain separate silver screw-plate (this replacing vertical brooch-type suspension, traces of which remain), 84mm
the set in a purpose-made burgundy leather case, the lid embossed WHITE EAGLE OF RUSSIA, in gold, with silk lining stamped ‘Rundell, Bridge & Co./ Jewellers & Goldsmiths/ To The Queen,/ and Royal Family,/ 32 Ludgate Hill.’
Provenance
Presented by Emperor Nicholas I of Russia to John George Lambton, 1st Earl of Durham, 1837
Condition
(i) sash badge
very slight enamel chip at base of orb, extremely fine and of impressive weight
(ii) breast star
very slight enamel chip at base of orb, extremely fine and of impressive weight
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
THE ORDER OF THE WHITE EAGLE was originally Polish. By tradition, it was founded by King Ladislaus I in 1325 to commemorate the marriage of his son Casimir to Anna of Lithuania, although it soon fell into abeyance. Revived on 1 November 1705 by Augustus II as the premier Polish Order, it was awarded to Peter the Great. When the Congress Kingdom of Poland was established in 1815, the Tsar continued to award the Order of the White Eagle to deserving Polish subjects.
Following the Polish uprising of 1830-1831, Nicholas I incorporated the Order into the existing Russian award system. It was re-established as the premier Polish order on 4 February 1921.
Sotheby's would like to thank Morton and Eden with their help in cataloguing this lot.