San Marino, Republic. An Order Of San Marino, Grand Cross Breast Star By Rothe, C.1900

(Ordine Equestre per il merito civile e militare San Marino protettore della repubblica). Instituted on August 13 1859. Type I. Of Austrian manufacture, consisting of a silver eight pointed star with hand finished detailing, with a silver gilt cross with white enamelled arms affixed at centre with green enamelled laurels, the obverse medallion in Gold features a blue enamelled field with Motto "RELINQUO VOS LIBEROS AB UTROQUE HOMINE" (I leave you free from both men), the reverse presents a vertical pin, maker marked FR denoting Rothe manufacture, hallmarked on the base with an FR maker mark, A denoting Vienna, and a silver hallmark denoting .800 fineness, measuring 90.2mm (w) x 90.2mm (h), weighs 52.7 grams, very minor hairline crack in the enamel, slight loose of green enamel in the wreath, lovely patina, in very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of San Marino (AKA Civil and Military Equestrian Order of Saint Marinus) is an Order of Merit of San Marino. Established on August 13, 1859, the order is presented for outstanding civil or military services to the Republic, or for humanitarian, artistic, political or scientific accomplishment. The order is presented in five grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.