Traditional 17th Century Silver and Enamel Pectoral Cross, Pendant and Chain, Moscow, circa 1650, enameled in muted colors of green, blue, yellow, turquoise, beige and white; the reverse of the cross with stylized tulips. Two relics are attached to the lower rays of the cross. Some loss of enamel, typical for such pieces. Height of the cross 2 1/2 in. (6,4 cm). Length of the chain 32 in. (82 cm). Weight 1.8 oz. (50 g).

17th century enamel crosses are rare, especially with original chains.

The cross and chain said to be given as a gift by Alexander Kerensky to Dee Haywood (from the Hoare-Haywood family). She was a Bostonian socialite who was married to Bill Hamm, whom she divorced and moved to New York around 1932. Where she had a gallery and was one of the first to exhibit Picasso’s work. She had become friendly with Kerensky while he lived in NY. Ms.Haywood died in Boston at the age of 96 in the 1990’s.

Alexander Kerensky (1881-1970), Head of the Provisional Government and Commander in Chief of the Russian army between May and October 1917. During the October Bolshevik revolution in St Petersburg, he escaped from the Winter Palace, where the government headquarters were located, in a vehicle of the US embassy, emigrated to and died in the United States.