Monaco, Principality. An Order of St. Charles, I Class Knight in Gold

(Ordre de Saint-Charles). Instituted on 15 March 1858. In 18 K Gold with a white Maltese cross with red enamel framing and ball finials, green enamelled laurels in each quadrant, obverse centre applique with the royal cypher of Charles in Gold surrounded a white ring inscribed PRINCEPTS ET PATRIA, reverse centre with national design with white enamel surround inscribed DEO JUVANTE, the cross is surmounted by a royal crown with enamel details, measures 35.6 mm (w) x 58.9 mm (h – inclusive of cross adorned ball suspension), weighs 12.05 grams, marked with a French owl on the 6 o’clock reverse tassels indicating imported gold items since 1893, worn on an original red and white ribbon, the suspension to the crown is slightly bent, enamels missing from the band of the crown, notable enamel chip/loss to the reverse medallion inscription ring, and areas of discolouration on the reverse 9 and 12 o’clock arm, remains in extremely fine condition.