Italy, Two Sicilies. A Royal Order Of Francis I, Grand Cross Star, By Lemaitre, C. 1870

Instituted by King Francis I, on September 28, 1829. Of the highest quality, a Star of the Royal Order of Francis I, presenting a silver Maltese cross with ball finials offering deeply faceted rays, between each arm is a Gold fleur-de-lis, the obverse medallion features a crowned cypher of Francis I, surrounded by a ring of gold facets, and a green enamelled wreath, with an exterior blue enamelled ring inscribed DE REGE OPTIME MERITO (The King Deserves the Best), the reverse presents a principle pin assembly with dual stays, makers cartouche reads LEMAITRE 346 RUE ST HONORE PARIS, hallmarked with a boars head denoting French manufacture post 1838 on the pin and the catch, a Lemaitre makers mark on catch as well, measures 75.25mm (w) x 75.20mm (h), weighs 72.3 grams, enamels intact, a star of the finest manufacture in near mint condition.

Footnote: The Order was founded as a civil award by Francis I, King of the Two Sicilies. It was primarily conferred to recognize meritorious civil services within the realms of culture, agriculture, science, commerce, and art. Later, the Order was amended to also reward meritorious service within the military. The Grand Cross was awarded to high-ranking individuals who had rendered exemplary services to the Crown.