A 19th Century Russian Orthodox Antique Gold Cross
circa 1885
by a prominent St. Petersburg jeweler of the period – Rudolf Weide
This very fine antique pectoral cross is enameled with the Crucifixion.
abbreviation on the enameled scroll above the Body of Christ.
The gold cross is further decorated with engraved hallo of Christ, and stylized foliage.
Height of the cross without suspension ring – 1 3/4 in. (4,4 cm) Weight – 8.2 grams

Engraved inscription in Russian on the back of the cross reads – SAVE AND PROTECT
The cross is marked with 56 zolotniks old Russian gold standard (14K) with the St.Petersburg coat of arms and jeweler’s initials ‘PB’ for Rudolf Weide (??????? ?????).
Weide, a St Petersburg master goldsmith, was born in Revel (Tallin, Estonia). Between 1874 and 1915, he owned a gold and silver workshop at Nevsky 74. (see A. Ivanov Gold And Silversmiths In Russia 1600-1926, vol. I, page 165, Nr 709)