Vatican, Holy See. A Pontifical Equestrian Order of Saint Gregory the Great, II. Class Commander for Civil Merit, by Tanfani & Bertarelli, c.1900

(Ordo Sancti Gregorii Magni). Instituted September 1st, 1831. Constructed of gilded silver and multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with red enameled arms and dual ball finials, the obverse with a blue enameled central medallion bearing the profile of Saint Gregory the Great in silver gilt, surrounded by a silver gilt ring inscribed “S. Gregorius Magnus” in capital lettering, the reverse with similar red enameled arms and a matching blue enameled central medallion bearing the inscription of “Pro Deo et Principe”, surrounded by a silver gilt ring inscribed “Gregorius XVI. P.M. Annoi”, suspended from a green enameled laurel wreath suspender with a red enamel bow at the base using its period original and full-length neck ribbon, marked “Tanfani Bertarelli” with “A” cast into the reverse of the suspension, measuring 55.8 mm (w) x 55.7 mm (l), weighing 27.97 grams, with the majority of the gilt finish lost through age and wear but with the enamels well preserved with the exception of small chips to the green enamels on the suspender wreath, in overall very fine condition.