International. A Sovereign Military Order Of The Temple Of Jerusalem, Commander, C.1900

(Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani). Large silver-gilt-edged red enamel patriarchal cross on trophy of arms suspension with beaded loop for neck ribbon; the reverse plain, measuring 33 mm (w) x 89.8 mm (h - inclusive of trophy at arms), with period ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The original Order of Knights Templar was created early in the 12th Century to ensure the security of the many pilgrims who travelled from Europe to Jerusalem after the first crusade of 1096. The Order grew rich and powerful over the next two centuries until charged with heresy and violently disbanded in the early 14th Century by King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V. The current Order was reconstituted in 1804 and recognised by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1805 as an ecumenical charitable Christian association and has undergone various schisms and enjoyed mixed fortunes since.