Order of St. Andrew
The Order of St. Andrew the First-Called was the first and the highest order of chivalry of the Russian Empire.
It was established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, in honour of Saint Andrew, the first apostle of Jesus and patron saint of Russia. It had only one class, and was only awarded for the most eminent civilian or military merit. Until its abolition after the Russian Revolution, just over one thousand awards were made. The order was re-established on July 1, 1998 by the government of the Russian Federation.
During the monarchy, Receipients of the Order of St. Andrew also automatically received the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky, the Order of the White Eagle, the Order of St. Anne, first degree, and the Order St. Stanislaus, first degree. Moreover, receipients of lower ranks were automatically promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general or vice admiral.
The insignia of the order consisted of:
- Badge: an enamelled crowned black double-headed eagle bearing a blue St. Andrew's Cross (saltire) with St. Andrew crucified upon it; on the arms of the saltire were the Latin letters 'SAPR' (for 'St. Andrew, Protector of Russia'). It was worn on a pale blue sash over the left shoulder, or on special occasions on an elaborate 'collar' (chain).
- Star: eight-pointed silver star bearing a miniature of the badge on a golden background at the centre, surrounded by the motto "For Faithfulness and Loyalty" ("Za Veru i Vernost") on a blue ring. It was worn on the left chest.
The insignia of order could be awarded 'with diamonds' as a special distinction.