Vatican. A Spink-Made Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great Cufflinks Pair

(Ordine di San Gregorio Magno). Instituted in 1831. In 18K Gold with blue enamels, each of the arms of the cross with two genuine rubies, totalling eight in all, weighing 5.2 grams and measuring 18 mm (w) x 18 mm (h) each, each with a post and toggle attachment, intact enamels, finely-crafted, extremely fine. In their hardshelled case of issue, simulated reddish-brown leather exterior, inside lid lined in white satin and maker marked "SPINK", two pairs of upright tabs on the off-white felt bed to house the cufflinks, case also extremely 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.