Vatican. Equestrian An Order of St. Gregory the Great for Civil Merit, II Class Commander, c.1950

(Ordine di San Gregorio Magno). Instituted in 1831. Multi-piece construction, in silver gilt with red and blue enamels, each of the eight points of the cross exhibiting a ball finial, surmounted by a wreath in silver gilt with red and green enamels, unmarked, measuring 58.3 mm (w) x 88 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath suspension, intact enamels, on its original full-length neck ribbon, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, red dimpled exterior, Vatican coat-of-arms in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in off-white satin, padded and maker marked "TANFANI & BERTARELLI ROMA", base with a platform that incorporates a recessed medal bed in beige felt, measuring 115.5 mm (w) x 160 mm (h) x 24.5 mm (d), light wear and scuffing evident in the exterior, the medal bed lightly soiled, case better than very fine.

Footnote: The Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great was instituted on September 1, 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI and awarded for loyalty and service to the Holy See, in four grades: Grand Cross, Commander with Star, Commander and Knight, in Civil and Military Divisions.