Vatican, City State. Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great for Civil Merit, III Class Knight, Cased,c.1918

(Ordine di San Gregorio Magno). Instituted in 1831. Multi-piece construction, in silver gilt 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, unmarked, measuring 40.5 mm (w) x 63.8 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath and laterally-pierced ball suspension, chipping and loss evident in the green enamels on both sides of the wreath, the enamels on the badge intact, original ribbon, very fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, red dimpled exterior, Vatican coat-of-arms in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in white cloth, padded and maker marked "TANFANI & BERTARELLI OGGETTI SACHI Via S. Chiara N. 37A 42 ROMA", base with a medal bed in beige felt, measuring 63 mm (w) x 115 mm (h) x 20 mm (d), wear and scuffing evident on the exterior, wear in the fabric overlying the hinged area, the beige felt of the medal bed exhibiting extensive soiling, case fair.

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.