Vatican, Papal States. An Equestrian Order of St.Gregory the Great, Grand Cross Badge, c.1880

(Ordine Equestre di San Gregorio Magno). Instituted on 1 September 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI. Of French manufacture, a finely enameled red Maltese Cross with ball finials in silver gilt, surmounted by a green enamel laurel wreath with bow also in silver gilt, obverse centre on a nice enameled bright-blue background superposing by a central figure of St. Gregory the Great in silver gilt, surrounded by gilded ring bearing the Latin inscription S. GREGORIUS MAGNUS (St. Gregory the Great), the reverse medallion in Gold exhibiting the inscription PRO DEO ET PRINCIPE (For God and the King), encircled by bearing inscription GREGORIUS XVI. P. M. ANNO I., hallmarked by French hallmark denoting .800 silver purity between 1838 and 1962, measuring 53.04 mm (w) x 78.26 mm (h - inclusive of laurel suspension), with casting red enamels and replaced reverse medallion, gilt loss, with added loop suspension with French Gold hallmark, accompanied by original ribbon, fair condition.

Footnote: The Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great was founded by Pope Gregory XVI, and was originally conferred upon Catholics who exhibited zeal for the Catholic faith and loyalty to the Vatican. The Order is named for Pope Gregory I, also known as Pope Gregory the Great, who held the office from 590 to 604.

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.