Italy, Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. A Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, Grand Cross Set by Tanfani & Bertarelli, c. 1930

(Sacro militare ordine costantiniano di San Giorgio). Kingdom of Italy (1861-1946). The badge in silver gilt, a multi-construction piece consisting of a red enamelled cross and a pendant of St George, hanging from a crown suspension and trophy of arms suspension, reverse marked TANFANI BERTARELLI, measuring 155 mm (h) x 51 mm (w), worn on blue sash ribbon, slight gilt wear, otherwise, in extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the Star of the Order, an eight-point star base in silver gilt, the obverse centerpiece bears a red enamelled cross with the Christogram, measures 90 mm (h) x 89 mm (w), reverse pin with dual prongs, marked 800 and TANFANI & BERTARELLI ROMA, extremely fine. Housed in its original navy case of issue, a white satin interior, with a white medalbed with ribbon compartment, measures 14 cm (w) x 33 cm (l) x 7.5 cm (d), release clasp difficult to press, hinge functional, light wear to corners, extremely fine. 

Footnote: The origins of the Order are unclear. Some authorities believe the beginning of this Order can be linked to Emperor Constantine I and the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. Others believe the founder was Byzantine Emperor Isaac II in 1190. Members of the Order were predominately noble, and they were charged with defending Roman Catholic beliefs and traditions. The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies Order branch features an uppercase omega in the inscription “V I H S A Ω P.”