(Ordine del Merito di San Giuseppe). Instituted on 19 March 1807. In finely toned silver, with six scaled arms each with ball finials, cross arms with intermittent rays, centre depicting St. Joseph with motto surround, reverse with pin assembly, pin presenting the maker mark for C. F. ROTHE, WIEN, measuring 86.70 mm (w) x 87.01 mm (h), weighing 98.2 grams, of extremely high quality, and in extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The order was originally founded in 1514 as an award for military, civil and spiritual merits. It was inactive until revived by Grand Duke Ferdinand III of Tuscany in 1807. The order was issued in three classes and was generally confined to members of the Roman Catholic faith until it was abolished in 1860.

