Instituted April 24, 1729. A rare decoration of high quality manufacture in Gold, presenting a blue enamelled Maltese cross with white enamelled borders and ball finials, blue diagonal lozenges with white borders in each quadrant bearing the letters “V I B I” (Virgini Immaculatae Bavaria Immaculata – Immaculate Bavaria for the Immaculate Virgin), the obverse medallion features the Virgin Mary with a thin white enamel surround, the reverse features red enamelled arms with white enamelled borders, the lozenges in the quadrants host the letters “I V P F” (Lustus Ut Palma Florebit – Distinguished for Justice and Glory), the reverse medallion features St. George slaying a dragon within a green enamelled laurel wreath, the badge is suspended from a lions head holding a blue reverse crescent shape in his mouth with ornate detailing below, measures 46.3mm (w) x 76.75mm (h – inclusive of lion head suspension and integral ring), weighs 47.1 grams, light enamel wear, a beautiful and rare decoration!
Footnote: The institution of the Military Order of St. George has been disputed by various historians, but most sources state that it was on March 20, 1729 by Elector Charles Albert of Bavaria. The tradition of loyalty to St. George, the patron saint of chivalry, had been long established in Germany before the institution of the Military Order of St. George.