Orders of St. Andrew the Apostle conquered London

June 12, London – Sotheby’s auction house held the sales of Russian Icons, Orders and Works of Applied Art.

Incrusted Star of Order of St. Andrew the Apostle made in approximately 1800 was the top lot of the auction. In 1809 Prince George Oldenburg was awarded with the order to his marriage on Great Princess Ekaterina Pavlovna. It is known that in 1890 the order decorated the dress of Empress Maria Feodorovna. The diamond star was estimated at £600 000. However, the lot was sold for £2 729 250. The name of the buyer is not revealed. However, according to some information, he is the citizen of the Russian Federation. It means that the star can return home.

It is interesting to mention that the order of St. Andrew the Apostle is also on the second place in the list of top lots. It is made of gold and enamel. The order is dated to 1908-1917. The lot was sold for £1 721 250. It also exceeds the estimate (£180 000-200 000) sufficiently. The Star made of silver and enamel is gilded from the inside. The carnet in a case by Faberge became the third top lot. The carnet decorated with multi-coloured gold and enamel guillochage was sold for £541 250. It exceeds the estimate more than in twice. There is also a red pencil with a diamond bout and the initials of the master in a case.

Another interesting lot is the Order of Saint Ekaterina decorated with gold, diamonds and enamel in excellent condition. Order of Saint Ekaterina was invented by Peter I on the occasion of his marriage on Ekaterina. Up to 1916, before the Order of Saint Olga, this order was the only one for women. It was presented to Great Russian princesses in a day of their christening or marriage. The lot was sold for £409 250.

The Order of White Eagle was sold for the lower price of £109 250. The lot made of gold and decorated with blue enamel is in an excellent condition. The order is distinguished with blue curls made under a crown. There is an engraving of master Albert Cable on its underside.

Auction of Russian icons, orders and items of applied art is over in London. Earlier Sotheby’s held the auction sales of Russian painting where the Still-Life with Fruit by Natalia Goncharova became the top lot. Cristie’s and Bonham’s also took part in Russian Week where pictures Sailing Vessel and Cross by Goncharova were also the most expensive lots.