Vatican, City State. An Equestrian Order of St.Gregory the Great for Civil Merit in Gold, II Class Commander, c.1900

(Ordine di San Gregorio Magno). Instituted in 1831. Multi-piece construction, in Gold 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, maker marked "TANFANI & BERTARELLI" on the loop, marked "O" (Oro = Gold) on the loop and on the reverse of the wreath, weighing 25.5 grams, measuring 56 mm (w) x 84 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath suspension, on its original full-length neck ribbon, extremely 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.