Instituted January 1, 1819 by King Ferdinand I. A superb Knight of Justice, in Gold, a red enamelled cross with green enamel laurel wreath in each quarter, crossed swords pierce the center medallion, the obverse center medallion presents a gold figure of a man spearing a dragon on horseback on a white enamel field, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed VINCES IN HOC SIGNO (In This Sign Conquer), the reverse medallion presents the same central figure as obverse, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed VIRTUTI (Virtue), measures 29.52mm (w) x 32.52mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 5.3 grams, marked on the ring with a right facing head and two partial marks, several leaves in the obverse laurel wreath have been re-enamelled, chipping in the blue enamel ring, a rare and delicate decoration, in near extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The Order was founded by King Ferdinand I on the same day he abolished the Order of the Two Sicilies. It was instituted to celebrate the reunion of Naples and Sicily into a single Kingdom and to replace the Royal Order of the Two Sicilies. Following the 1850 amendments the grades of Grand Cross, Commander, and Knight of Justice were solely awarded to Officers and Generals for meritorious service in the military, and valour in battle. The Knight of Justice is identical to the Knight of Grace, except the Knight of Justice features a laurel wreath surrounding the cross arms, while the Knight of Grace has no laurel wreath.