Vatican, Papal States. A Pontifical Equestrian Order of St.Gregorius in Gold, Grand Cross, by A. Tanfani, c.1875

(Ordo Sancti Gregorii Magni). Instituted 1831. 1846-1878 issue. Of high quality period manufacture,sash badge consisting of a hollow enameled red Maltese Cross in Gold with ball finials, obverse in Gold exhibiting an superposed portrait of St.Gregorius on a blue-enameled background, surrounded by the Latin inscription S GREGORIUS MAGNUS (St. Gregorius the Great), reverse medallion also in Gold inscribed by Latin inscription PRO DEO ET PRINCIPE (For God and the King), surrounded by an elegant blue-enameled border with Latin inscription GREGORIUS XVI P M ANNO I, suspended by a highly detailed Vatican trophy of arms also in Gold, marked by maker’s mark of A. TANFANI, ROMA, measuring 56.41 mm (w) x 110.14 mm (h - inclusive of coat of arms suspension), 34.5 grams, on an original full-length sash with bow, extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the star of the order, consisting of a fine eight-pointed silver star, obverse centre in Gold presenting a superposed enameled red Maltese Cross with ball finials, the centre depicting a superposed portrait of St. Gregorius on an enameled blue background, surrounded by an elegant border inscribed S GREGORIUS MAGNUS, reverse with flat pin assembly, marked by early maker’s cartouche of A. Tanfani, measuring 86.18 mm (w) x 86.80 mm (h), with minor toned silver on the star, overall extremely good condition. Also accompanied by the original case of issue, wooden framed and wrapped in red leather, velvet medal bed, interior lid marked with A. TANFANI, ROMA, exterior lid embossed with gilt crest and keys as well as partial cloth centre piece, with water damage, repairs to case bottom, poor.

Footnote: The Order of St. Gregory the Great was established on September 1, 1831, by Pope Gregory XVI. The Order of St. Gregory the Great is one of the five Orders of Knighthood of the Holy See. The honor is bestowed upon Roman Catholic men and women, sometimes in rare cases to non-Catholics, in recognition of their personal service to the Holy See and to the Roman Catholic Church.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.