Lot 3001
Maid of Honor Cipher. In the form of the Cyrillic initial "E" for the Empress Catherine II. Late 18th Century. 29 x 72 mm. Silvered white metal, light gilt. Glass-paste settings. Two-piece flexible construction. Extremely rare. Condition: Choice and problem free. Estimated Value $25,000 - UP
Catherine II instituted the rank of Maid of Honor (freylina) at some point in the latter part of her reign. The form of the award remained the same through the reign of Nicholas II and consisted always of the reigning empress’s initials surmounted by the imperial crown.
An appointment as a Maid of Honor to the Empress was a signal honor, and the young ladies who were appointed came from Russia’s most illustrious families, with their fathers serving with distinction either in civil or military service or at court. Cf. U. Tillander-Godenhielm: "The Russian Imperial Award System 1894-1917". Helsinki 2005.
|
| |
| Realized $28,800 |
