Orders of Saint Andrew from late 1790s/early 1800s made (presumably) by the goldsmiths Pierre-Louis Agis and Pierre-Etienne Theremin

These early crosses of Saint Andrew order have very peculiar "hipster" iconography. Presumably crosses were manufactured by Pierre-Louis Agis or by Pierre-Etienne Theremin during 1799-1802 time period.

Agis Pierre-Louis (золотых дел мастер Пьер-Луи Ажи; 1752-1828) was ornamental sculptor, foundry and chaser. From 1784 he taught sculpture at the Academy of Arts. Since 1800 academician of ornamental sculpture. On the basis of his workshop, a bronze foundry was opened in 1804, which produced bronze items for the Peterhof fountains, Mikhailovsky Castle, Kazan Cathedral, etc. Mason, member of Palestine Lodge 1817-1821. He manufactured 7 collars /+2 collars were repaired/ and 26 crosses /+4 crosses were repaired/ of Saint Andrew order.

Theremin Pierre-Etienne (золотых дел мастер Пьер-Этьенн Термен; 1764-1848). Since 1793 in St. Petersburg. In 1800-1801, alderman of a foreign workshop of jewelers. In 1803 he left for Geneva. In 1799 he made a crown, scepter and saber for the king of Georgia and Kartli George. Presumably, he also made the insignia of the Order of St. Andrew with diamonds for the coronation of Paul I and Alexander I. He manufactured 5 collars /+1 collar was repaired/ and 16 crosses /+1 cross was repaired/ of Saint Andrew order.​

Gold, enamel.
Size 66 x 62 mm.
Unmarked.

Crown suspension is missing. Letters P and R were repainted.

Order of Saint Andrew.jpg


Order of Saint  Andrew.jpg


Same cross under a different light.

Order of Saint Andrew.jpg
 
Cross with practically identical iconography that was awarded in 1808 to Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord.


Order of Saint Andrew the First Called awarded in 1807 to Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord.jpg
Order of Saint Andrew the First Called awarded in 1807 to Charles  Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord.jpg
 
Another cross with similar geometry and overall craftsmanship from the collection of Hermitage, St. Petersburg.

Gold, enamel.
Size 102 х 57 mm.

Note that somebody completely destroyed enamel on the cross obverse (consequences of aggressive rejection of "hipster" iconography of Saint Andrew?).

Знак ордена Св. Андрея Первозванного.jpg
Знак ордена Св. Андрея  Первозванного.jpg
 
Cross of similar geometry and workmanship but with slightly different iconography from the collection of Military History Institute in Prague.


Order of Saint Andrew from the collection of Military History Institute, Prague.jpg
 
Cross in superb condition. Note different direction of reverse inscription.

Gold, enamel.
Unmarked.

Order of Saint Andrew cross from late 1790s early 1880s.jpg
Order of Saint  Andrew cross from late 1790s early 1880s.jpg
 
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    early order of saint andrew cross early order of saint andrew sash badge early order of saint andrew the first called order of saint andrew order of saint andrew from early 1800s order of saint andrew from late 1790s золотых дел мастер пьер-луи ажи золотых дел мастер пьер-этьенн термен награды императорской россии орден святого апостола андрея первозванного ордена императорской россии ранние ордена андрея первозванного ранний орден андрея первозванного
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