Italy, Kingdom of Two Sicilies. A Royal Order of Francis I, I Class Knight’s Cross, c.1955
(Reale Ordine di Francesco I). Instituted by Francis I on September 28, 1829. In silver gilt, a white enamelled Maltese cross with Fleur-de-lis in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presents the crowned monogram F.I, surrounded by a green enamel wreath and encircled in a blue ring inscribed DE REGE OPTIME MERITO (The King Deserves the Best), the reverse medallion presents the inscription FRANCISCVS I INSTITVIT MDCCCXXIX, surrounded by a green and red enamelled wreath, the cross is surmounted by a royal crown, measures 39.5mm (w) x 62.7mm (h – inclusive of cross adorned surmounting crown), weighs 31.8 grams including ribbon, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition.

