Vatican, Papal State. An Order of St. Gregory, Grand Cross, by Tanfani & Bertarelli, c.1900

(Ordine di San Gregorio Magno). Instituted September 1 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI. Civil Division. A lovely Grand Cross Set, comprising a sash badge: in silver gilt, a red enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, the obverse medallion presents a superimposed bust of St. Gregory on a blue enamelled disc surrounded by the gilt inscription S. GREGORIUS MAGNUS, the reverse medallion features a blue enamelled disc inscribed PRO DEO ET PRINCIPE, surrounded by a gilt ring inscribed VREGORIUS XVI P.M. ANNO I., the badge is surmounted by a green enamelled wreath, reverse plain, measures 60mm (w) x 88.3mm (h – inclusive of surmounting wreath), weighs 42.6 grams, worn on a full length sash, minor wear to enamels, scattered gilt wear, in overall extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the Star: in silver, an eight point star with clusters of five silver rays, the obverse medallion on top presents a red enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, the obverse medallion presents a superimposed bust of St. Gregory on a blue enamelled disc surrounded by the gilt inscription S. GREGORIUS MAGNUS, the reverse presents a single vertical pin, the reverse medallion is maker marked TANFANI & BERTARELLI, measures 86.7mm (w) x 85.5mm (h), weighs 82.3 grams, enamels intact, hinge and catch functional, in near extremely fine condition.

Contained in a Tanfani & Bertarelli case of issue, a red exterior with the Vatican coat of arms impressed on top, the interior presents a crème coloured silk lid with maker mark, and a partially removable medalbed with storage component for sash, measures 140mm (w) x 280mm (h) x 65mm (d), light wear and knocks to exterior, hinge and clasp functional, set is not original to case, however the case remains in very fine condition.