Russian Order of the White Eagle medal spotted at Californian Fine Art auction

One of the lots in a Fine Art and Antiques auction - a Russian Order of the White Eagle - stands out

There is a distinctly out of place collectible in a Californian Fine Art auction which opens at the start of next month (March 4).

Fine art takes many forms, and it's no surprise to find oil paintings and watercolours alongside Asian antiques amongst the 700 lots.

Of the former, Guy Charon's 'Harbour Scene,' oil painting is one of our favourite with its extremely bold use of colour lifting the scene clean off the canvas. With a listing of just $1,200 it's a very affordable way to bring some quality art into your home (although art collectors should also take a look at our signed Chagall print).

A typical Asian antique is the coral, cultured pearl, jade, 14-karat yellow gold brooch depicting Guanyin which is available (listed at $1,500). That takes us into the realm of jewellery of course, of which a more Western example is a citrine, pearl and silver necklace.

The Imperial Russian Order of White Eagle with Swords

Then there's the Russian Order of the White Eagle - by far the likely top lot and sharing little with the other lots. Made from bronze and silver gilt, the Imperial Russian Order is listed at $35,000-$40,000.

Whilst a beautifully crafted item, the order would not usually be considered a piece of art in quite this way - you would expect it to turn up in a specialist numismatic or militaria auction, such as that which sold the collection of Walter Mooromsky.

The order, which comes accompanied by its original blue sash displays the maker mark "K" under left wing on reverse is extremely rare, and this may be the opportunity for a collector to snap the medal up for bargain price in the absence of other collectors who have not glimpsed the auction.

Recent and related articles

· Antique Naval flintlock pistols could continue 2012's rare firearms success | 21 February 2012

· Albert Chandler Civil War Journals offer collectors a piece of American history | 12 February 2012

· Stephen Flood's militaria & antiques collection starring Russian icons | 8 February 2012

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Images: Michaan's