(Ordine di San Silvestro Papa). Instituted 1841. 1950-present Issue. Of Italian manufacture, a very well preserved and highly attractive Grand Cross set by G. Guccione, consisting of an exquisitely enameled white Maltese cross in silver gilt, embellishing by a finely faceted gilt frame, with quadrants projecting clusters of multiple rays of different length also in silver gilt, the obverse depicting a superposed portrait of St. Sylvester, on an enameled deep blue background, surrounded by a border stamped by the inscription SANC SILVERTER PONT MAX (St. Silvestre Maximum Pope), the reverse presenting a central engraved Vatican coat of arms in gilt, surrounded by an enameled blue edge dated MDCCCXLI - MCMV (1841-1905), measuring 55.17 mm (w) x 56.22 mm (h), with an ornamented suspension fixed to the upper arm, together with a ring attached to a full-length original sash with ribbon at the ends, presenting minor gilt contact, extremely fine. Accompanied by the breast star, consisting of a finely faceted multi-rayed eight-pointed star in silver, with obverse centrepiece in silver gilt exhibiting an enameled white Maltese Cross, with multiple gilded rays in each quadrant, the obverse depicting a superposed portrait of St. Silvestre, on an enameled deep blue background, surrounded by a border stamped by the inscription SANC SILVERTER PONT MAX (St. Silvestre Maximum Pope), the reverse presenting principal pin assembly, along with a central cartouche of G. Guccione, Italian manufacturer from the second half of the 20th century to present, measuring 87.25 mm (w) x 89.12 mm (h), with minor tarnished silver, extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The Order of St. Sylvester is awarded by the Pope to Catholics who are actively involved in the everyday activities of the church. It is also conferred upon individuals who have rendered professional and civil service in the realm of art, science, and literature that have benefited the church. The modern Order may also be awarded to non-Catholic recipients and women.