05-11-2005, 09:40 PM (This post was last modified: 02-10-2012, 03:46 PM by CtahhR.)
Well, what more can be said? It's a transitional government St. Stanislaus, Second Class, with swords. That makes it gilted bronze rather than solid gold. As the transitional government only existed for a very short time, and since they didn't issue many highest-level awards anyway, that makes this a pretty scarce piece.
As you can see, it is hanging from a First Class ribbon. The family said the recipient had earned a First Class too, but they had already sold it. This is the way this order came, but they also gave me a Second Class ribbon too. Go figure. And enjoy.
Founded by Stanislaus Augustus Poniatowski of Poland in honor of the Polish (and his own) Patron Saint-Stanislaus. Born in Krakow in 1030, Stanislaus was a Roman Catholic Prelate, and a Bishop of Krakow. In 1079 he denounced his King (who was then Boleslav) for misdeeds and excommunicated him. After being murdered for this feat of valour, Stanislaus was canonized in 1253 and since then has been considered a Patron Saint of Poland.
The Order had 3 classes at first, but in 1815 a fourth class was added. This change was reversed in 1839, and the fourth class was abolished. After 1831, the order was merged with other Russian orders and underwent a slight change in design. The center monogram became "SS" (Sanctus Stanislaus) which was changed from "SAR" (Stanislaus Augustus Rex). The order was awarded for distinguished civil and military services, as well as for excellence in preserving Christian virtues. The military insignia came with swords, and in some exceptional cases, the swords surmounted. Only the first class of the order carried hereditary nobility, as of 1845 statutes. Before 1845, all classes had equal hereditary rights. Non-Christian version of the order had "SS" in the center replaced with the Imperial Eagle. The annual feast day of the order was celebrated on April 25th of each year.
