Italy, Grand Duchy of Tuscany. An Order of Saint Stephen, Embroidered Star, c.1830
Italy, Grand Duchy of Tuscany. An Order of Saint Stephen, Embroidered Star, c.1830
(Sacro Militare Ordine di Santo Stefano Papa e Martire). Instituted 1561. An early and embroidered Maltese Cross with red cloth arms and bullion wire border, the center features 8 smooth sequins and thin bullion coils, the reverse is reinforced with a paper backing, measures 63.40mm (w) x 62.05mm (h), weighs 1.6 grams, areas of fraying at each arm tip, one smooth missing from the center, cracks and staining to reverse backing, however, a rare decoration which remains in very fine condition.