San Marino, Republic. A Civil And Military Order Of San Marino, Grand Cross, By Raviolo & Gardino, C. 1920

(Ordine Equestre Civile e Militaire di San Marino). Instituted in 1859. Type II. A Grand Cross in silver gilt, presenting an anchor cross with ball finials in the knees and a castle in each quadrant, the obverse presents a handpainted portrait of San Marino surrounded by a blue enamel ring with the inscription SAN MARINO PROTETTORE, the reverse medallion features the San Marino coat of arms in gilt on a white enamelled field, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed MERITO CIVILE E MILITARE, the badge is surmounted by a large crown, measures 72.3mm (w) x 106.6mm (h – inclusive of cross adorned crown suspension), enamels intact, patina wear, worn on a full length grand cross sash, in extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the star of the order, in silver, an eight-point star with clusters of five faceted rays, the obverse presents a white anchor cross with ball finials in the knees, a half oak and half laurel wreath sits in the quadrants between the arms, the center medallion features a blue enamel disc inscribed RELINQUO VOS LIBEROS AB UTROQUE HOMINE surrounded by a silver gilt faceted ring, the reverse presents a single vertical pin, the medallion is maker marked DITTA. CRAVANZOLA E. GARDINO SUCC ROMA., measures 86mm (w) x 86.3mm (h), weighs 66.5 grams, light enamel wear to wreath, otherwise enamels intact, a star in extremely fine condition.

Contained in its original blue case of issue, the exterior featuring the San Marino coat of arms, the interior with a crème coloured silk interior lid with maker mark RAVIOLO & GARDINO SUCC. D. CRAVANZOLA, the medalbed is in black velvet with a recessed section for the star, the top half lifts at an angle and offers a storage compartment for the sash, measures 135mm (w) x 310mm (h) x 57mm (d), hinge and clasp functional, wear to exterior, in near very fine condition.