Parma, Duchy. An Order of Constantine of St.George, Grand Cross, c.1830

(Sacro militare ordine costantiniano di San Giorgio). An early and finely made cross in silver, multiple rays, with obverse centre in Gold with red enamels, reverse with leather backing and dual prong pin, measuring 59 mm (w) x60.5mm (h), of particularly fine quality and unusual star, vaulted, with leather backing and double prong pin on reverse. Unmarked, contained within original leather case of issue, extremely fine. Footnote: After the Treaty of Fontainebleau in 1815, the Sovereignty of the Duchy of Parma passed to the Archduchess Marie Louise of Austrian Empire, also second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. On August 23, 1816 she declared herself Grand Mistress of the Order. It was then decreed that the Constantinian Order of St. George could be conferred either by the King of the Two Sicilies or by the Duke of Parma. Orders issued by Parma differs from ones issued by Two Sicilies in the Greek letter "e", found on the right arm of the cross. All grades of Constantinian Order of St. George issued during Nineteenth Century are rare