Vatican. A Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great, Grand Cross Star

(Ordine di San Gregorio Magno). Instituted in 1831. Cross insignia in silver gilt with red and blue enamels, mounted to an eight-pointed silver star base, each of the star points with five faceted rays between each star point, measuring 84 mm (w) x 83.8 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, reverse cartouche reattached, near 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.