Antique Imperial Russian Orthodox Cross M.Ovchinnikov 14k solid Gold 37.3 grams

Description

Antique Imperial Russian Orthodox Cross M.Ovchinnikov 14k Gold Tsar Nicholas II
A very rare Imperial Russian Cross by Ovchinnikov in solid gold. I had the gold tested by a jeweler so I am certain of the gold content. I also had the cross authenticated by a Russian antique expert.  At a well advertised Russian antiquities auction this would sell for many thousands without a problem
This beautiful cross is thick, heavy(37.3 grams) and was custom made for someone important in the Royal Court.  If you would like more pictures or have any questions please feel free to ask.
Cross is stamped with 56 zolotniks
(14k-583 gold) and
the first Kokoshnik mark 1896-1908
with assyer's initials 'AP' for Alexander Romanov and master's initials 'MO' for Mikhail Ovchinnikov
The bail/ring is stamped as well.
Cloisonne blue enamel on both side.  Created 1896-1908, during Tsar Nicholas II rule.
Weight:  37.3 grams  -  Size
:   2 1/2" wide  x  3 1/2" long including 1/4" bail/ring  -  Approx 4-5mm thick
As can be seen the cross is in fantastic condition considering age with very minimal wear, looks to have been always in the case.
Includes the original presentation case marked inside of lid: P Ovchinnikov workshop and the Imperial Family Crest , slightly faded. It is in very good condition with working closure.
A very rare Imperial Russian Cross by Ovchinnikov in solid gold. I had the gold tested by a jeweler so I am certain of the gold content. I also had the cross authenticated by a Russian antique expert.  At a well advertised Russian antiquities auction this would sell for many thousands without a problem
.  If you are not 100% satisfied I will accept the item back with free return shipping.
OVCHINNIKOV, PAVEL (RUSSIAN, 1830-1888)
Pavel Ovchinnikov (1830-1888) was a renowned Russian jeweller, silversmith, goldsmith and enameller.
Born into a family of a serfs, Ovchinnikov grew up in the village of Otradnoe in the province of Moscow. Sent by Prince Dmitry Volkonsky to study in Moscow in 1842, Ovchinnikov's reputation for producing fine, high quality works rapidly grew and in 1851 he opened his own workshop. Here he employed almost a thousand workers, including many apprentices who flocked to Moscow to learn from the master jeweller. Ovchinnikov precious works were popular among European royalty, and he was comissioned by Tsar Alexander III of Russia and King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy among others. Ovchinnikov died in Moscow in 1888, where his work was continued by his sons.
Pavel Ovchinnikov (in Russian: Павел Акимович Овчинников) was one of the most famous Russian silversmiths of his time and an exceptional businessman.
He was born in Moscow province in 1830, from a family of modest origins: his father was a serf. Nevertheless Pavel was sent to study in Moscow by Prince Dimitri Volkonski, where he was apprenticed in a jewellery shop.
In 1850 he gained his freedom and three years later he founded his own workshop. In his factory he employed more than a hundred men, and in 1865 he was appointed Court supplier to the future Tzar Alexander III. His works were exhibited at the Pan-Russian manufacturing exhibition in 1865 where he won the gold medal and at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1867. Few years later he was appointed court supplier by the king of Italy Vittorio Emanuele II and the king of Denmark Christian IX.
In 1873 Ovchinnikov opened a branch in St. Petersburg and by 1881 over three hundred people were working for the firm. Understanding the importance of education, he founded a professional school at his factory for training artists and craftsmen in silverware and jewellery.
Pavel died in 1888 and his sons Mikhail, Alexander, Pavel and Nikolai took over the company until 1917, when the firm ceased trading due to the outbreak of the Russian Revolution. Ovchinnikov is particularly famous for his fine enamel works: he developed different processing techniques (cloisonné, champleé and on watermark) giving them prestige and popularity all over Europe.
Nowadays his works are represented at the most important international museums and royal collections.
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