Vatican. An Equestian Order of Merit of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, Miniature Grand Cross Breast Star, c. 1940
(Ordo Equestris Sancti Sepulcri Hierosolymitani). Instituted 1099. Type II. A silver star of eight faceted rays, the obverse medallion in Gold presents a Jerusalem Cross of red enamels, reverse plain, measures 13.10mm (w) x 14.38mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 1.0 grams, dark patina, lovely craftsmanship, in extremely fine condition.
Vatican. An Order of Pius IX, Miniature Grand Cross Breast Star, c. 1930
(Ordine di Pio IX). Instituted 1847 by Pope Pius IX. A multirayed silver star with smooth rays, the obverse presenting an eight-armed blue enamelled star with central medallion depicting PIVS IX on a white enamelled field, surrounded by the inscription VIRTVTI ET MERITO, the star is surmounted by a small cross with suspension loop directly below and behind, the reverse is plain, measures 11.78mm (w) x 15.65mm (h – inclusive of surmounting cross), weighs 1.0 gram, enamels intact, dark patina, in overall extremely fine condition.
San Marino. An Order of San Marino, Miniature Grand Cross Breast Star, c. 1930
Instituted August 13 1859. A silver star of eight faceted rays, the superimposed obverse medallion presents a white enamelled cross with ball finals in the knee of each arm, and green enamelled laurel wreath in each quadrant, the center of the medallion features a small hand painted figure of San Marino, reverse is plain, measures 13.25mm (w) x 14.40mm (h – inclusive of integral loop), weighs 1.1 grams, large amount of glue residue present on the reverse center medallion slightly askew but fastened well, enamels intact, in very fine condition.