Vatican, Papal State. An Order of Sylvester, Grand Cross Star, by Tanfani & Bertarelli, c. 1920

(Ordine die San Silvestro e dello Speron d'Oro). Instituted October 13, 1841 by Pope Pius X. In silver, an eight point silver star with clusters of five faceted rays, the obverse presents a superimposed white Maltese cross with a small cluster of nine smooth rays in each quadrant, the obverse medallion features the bust of St. Sylvester on a blue enamelled field, surrounded by a ring inscribed SANC. SILVESTER. P.M., the reverse presents a single vertical pin, center medallion bears the makers mark for TANFANI & BERTARELLI, measures 83.1mm (w) x 82.3mm (h), weighs 74.5 grams, hinge and catch functional, enamels intact, oxidation and residue on many of the rays, remains extremely fine.

Footnote: This Order was founded to compensate for the degradation of the Order of the Golden Militia. Amendments were made to the Order of the Golden Militia in 1841 that restricted the number of members, and these new statutes were the foundation of the Order of St. Sylvester. In 1905, Pope Pius X reorganized the Holy See’s honours and divided the Order of the Golden Militia into two separate Orders, the Order of St. Sylvester and the Order of the Golden Militia/Golden Spur. The Order of St. Sylvester is awarded by the Pope to Catholics who are actively involved in the everyday activities of the church.