(Souveräner Ritter und Hospitalorden vom heiligen Johannes von Jerusalem von Rhodos und von Malta, Profestiertes Großkreuz). A Maltese cross constructed of silver gilt, the obverse and reverse with integrated white enamelled arms, with very detailed crowned double-headed eagles between the arms of the cross, suspended from arabesques and a partially red enamelled hollow crown and loop for suspension, a trophy of arms suspension in silver gilt with a red and white enamel shield in front, reverse mirrors the obverse, measures 47.5mm (w) x 110.8 mm (h – inclusive of crown and trophy of arms suspension), weighs 54.5 grams (inclusive of ribbon), worn on a full length black ribbon with elasticized ends, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition.
Accompanied by a silver and silver gilt miniature with crown and trophy suspension, measures 16.1mm (w) x 37.1mm (h), in very fine condition. A boutonniere of black ribbon with a white enamel Maltese cross with crown device, in very fine condition.
Contained in its original case of issue, red enamel exterior with an impressed white Maltese Cross, the interior features a white enamel silk lid marked TANFANI & BERTARELLI ROMA, with a partial velvet recessed medal bed with space near the hinges for ribbon storage, measures 125mm (w) x 175mm (l) x 35mm (d), notable wear and scuffs to exterior, hinge and clasp functional, remains in very fine condition.