Italy, Kingdom Of Two Sicilies. A Royal Military Order Of St. George Of The Reunion, Knight’s Cross Of Grace In Gold, C. 1870

An exquisite decoration in 18K Gold, a beautifully red enamelled narrow anchor cross with delicate swords piercing the center, the obverse medallion presents a depiction of St. George on horseback fighting a dragon in Gold, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed VINCES IN HOC SIGNO (In This Sign Conquer), the reverse medallion presents the same central depicture of St. George, surrounded in a blue enamelled ring inscribed MERITO (Merit), with a section of wreath from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock, suspended from a ring suspension and worn on original ribbon, measures 34.85mm (w) x 37.85mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 10.1 grams (including ribbon), flawless enamels, in near mint condition, worthy of the best collection.

Footnote: The Order was founded by King Ferdinand I on the same day he abolished the Order of the Two Sicilies. It was instituted to celebrate the reunion of Naples and Sicily into a single Kingdom and to replace the Royal Order of the Two Sicilies. The Knight of Justice is identical to the Knight of Grace, except the Knight of Justice features a laurel wreath surrounding the cross arms, while the Knight of Grace has no laurel wreath. The Knight of Grace was conferred to recognize a minimum of forty years of service and participation in at least two military campaigns, or for brave and meritorious service in war.