Italy, Tuscany. A Military Order of Saint Stephen, Grand Cross Breast Star, c. 1840

(Sacro Militare Ordine di Santo Stefano Papa e Martir). Instituted by Pope Pius IV in 1561. A bronze gilt breast star featuring an eight point star with smooth rays, with a super imposed Maltese cross extending in each knee of the star, with interior red enamelling, between each arm of the cross lies a decorative Fleur de Lis, the reverse presents a single pin with dual stays, and numerous rivets to secure the enamelling of the cross and the Fleur de Lis, measures 70.0mm (w) x 66.55mm (h), weighs 40.4 grams, marked on the pin and catch with a French boar’s head denoting a silver guarantee post 1838, enamels intact, recently re-gilded, extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order was originally founded by Cosimo I de'Medici, First Grand Duke of Tuscany, in commemoration of his victory over the French in August 1554. It was officially confirmed by Pope Pius IV in 1561. The purpose of the Order was to protect the Catholic Church by fighting the Ottoman Turks and Mediterranean pirates. Membership eligibility was restricted to individuals capable of tracing their noble lineage back 4 generations on both sides of their family. They must also be practitioners of the Catholic faith and be a minimum of 18 years old. This Order was amended by Grand Duke Ferdinand III on December 22, 1817, wherein he added grades to the Order. The Order was suppressed in 1859 when Tuscany was annexed into the Kingdom of Sardinia.