Vatican. A Pontifical Equestrian Order Of St. Gregory The Great Snuff Box, 1973

(Ordine di San Gregorio Magno). Instituted in 1831. In silver, the pontifical insignia engraved on the lid and incorporating red and blue enamels, weighing 85.8 grams, hallmarked with the British crown and date marked "Y" (1973) on the underside of the lid, maker marked "S&Sn", hallmarked with the British crown, marked with a leopard's head (made in London) and date marked "Y" (1973) on the rim of the base, measuring 52.8 mm in diameter x 18 mm in depth, light tarnishing evident on the exterior, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, octagonal-shaped, pebbled black simulated leather exterior, the lid trimmed in a silver-coloured pattern along the top edge of the lid, inside lid in white satin, padded and maker marked "SPINK LONDON", the base with a recessed medal bed in steel blue felt, measuring 88 mm in width x 87 mm in depth x 54 mm in height, scattered wear evident in the exterior covering, case also near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great was established on September 1, 1831, by Pope Gregory XVI, seven months after his election to that seat by the College of Cardinals. The Order of St. Gregory the Great is one of the five Orders of Knighthood of the Holy See. The honour is bestowed upon Roman Catholic men and women (and sometimes in rare cases to non-Catholics) in recognition of their personal service to the Holy See and to the Roman Catholic Church, through their unusual labours, their support of the Holy See, and their excellent examples set forth in their communities and their countries. The Order of St. Gregory the Great has four "classes" in civil and military divisions: Knight/Dame Grand Cross of the First Class, Knight/Dame Commander with Star, Knight/Dame Commander and Knight/Dame.