A Badge of the Order of St. Catherine, Second Class or Lesser Cross, Albert Keibel, St. Petersburg, pre-1896

in gold, diamonds and enamels, in excellent condition, with original riband bow for wearing and in fitted case of issue; together with original Warrant of Appointment to Lady Augusta Monson dated 24 August / 6 September 1902, and related correspondence

Awarded to Augusta Louisa Caroline Ellis, Lady Monson (c.1840 - 1936), Dame d'Honneur de Son Altesse Impériale la Grande-Duchesse Marie Alexandrovna, Duchesse de Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, in 1902 
Thence by family descent

Rose -cut diamonds are of mixed colours and quality. The enamelling is in very good condition.
"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."

The Order of Saint Catherine was founded on November 24^th 1714 by Peter I on the occasion of his marriage to his wife, Catherine I. Until 1916 when the Order of St. Olga briefly came into existence, the Order of St. Catherine was the only decoration specifically intended for women. Russian Grand Duchesses were immediately presented with the Order at their christening, or upon their marriage into the Romanov family. Imperial Princesses were granted with the Order at the age of eighteen. In addition to the Russian Imperial Family, a fixed number of other recipients were awarded Grand and Lesser Crosses. Twelve Grand Crosses were typically given to female members of foreign Ruling Houses. Queen Alexandra of England was made a Dame of the Order of St. Catherine and presented with a Grand Cross by Tsar Alexander II. Ninety-four Lesser crosses were conferred upon ladies of the highest nobility, who were part of the suite of the Empress and had engaged in important philanthropic or charitable works outside of their duties at Court. It is an indication of the esteem Grand Duchess Marie held for Augusta, Lady Monson, that she was presented this extremely prestigious award.

The original named Warrant of Appointment for the Order, signed Marie, is included in the lot and is housed in a blue slipcase.  Also included are three related letters: (i) from Lady Monson to her brother, Arthur Ellis, seeking his assistance in obtaining formal "Permission to Wear" via the Central Chancery in London and describing herself as 'only the fifth non-Russian recipient' of the award; (ii) from Ellis to his friend Davidson, dated 6 October 1902, regarding Lady Monson's request; and (iii) a typed forwarding letter to Lady Monson, dated 24 October 1902.