Vatican. An Early Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great for Military Merit in Gold, Knight, Reduced Version, c.1850

(Ordine di San Gregorio Magno). Instituted in 1831. In 18K Gold with red and blue enamels, weighing 5.7 grams inclusive of its ribbon, measuring 21.8 mm (w) x 40 mm (h) inclusive of its trophy of arms suspension, scattered chipping evident in the blue enamels on the obverse centrepiece, original ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: The Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great was established on September 1, 1831, by Pope Gregory XVI, seven months after his election to that seat by the College of Cardinals. The Order of St. Gregory the Great is one of the five Orders of Knighthood of the Holy See. The honour is bestowed upon Roman Catholic men and women (and sometimes in rare cases to non-Catholics) in recognition of their personal service to the Holy See and to the Roman Catholic Church, through their unusual labours, their support of the Holy See, and their excellent examples set forth in their communities and their countries. The Order of St. Gregory the Great has four "classes" in civil and military divisions: Knight/Dame Grand Cross of the First Class, Knight/Dame Commander with Star, Knight/Dame Commander and Knight/Dame.