RUSSIA. St. Petersburg. Saint Annas German High School. Josef Koenig Gold Prize, 1914. CHOICE EXTREMELY FINE. Dimensions: 42mm x 30mm; Weight: 20.23 gms. Obverse: Small golden medallion reading "SCHOLA AD S. ANNAE PETROPOLI" and displaying St. Anna seated left, instructing two youths; below, golden banner reading "JOSEF KOENIG PREIS" in blue enamel; all surrounded by golden ornamentation, with a light pink radiant background; Reverse: Small golden medallion with raised monogram; below, golden banner reading "EUGE-NIE MOR-SCH" in blue enamel; all surrounded by golden ornamentation, with a light pink radiant background. Hallmark: two uncertain marks and "56" indicating purity. Awarded to Eugenie Morsch for proficiency in German at Saint Annas School in St. Petersburg, this prize was named after Joseph König, who was director of the school from 1884-1910. There were many famous attendants at Saint Annas, such as the immensely famous jeweler, Peter Carl Fabergé. Given the timing of this award, it is certainly possible that he collaborated with the designer for this piece.
