Vatican. An Equestrian Order Of St. Gregory The Great, I Class Grand Cross, Military Division, By Tanfani & Bertarelli

(Ordine di San Gregorio Magno). Instituted in 1831. Grand Cross Badge: In silver gilt with red and blue enamels, each of the eight points of the cross exhibiting a ball finial, measuring 56 mm (w) x 98 mm (h) inclusive of its trophy-of-arms suspension, maker marked "TANFANI BERTARELLI" above a large "A" on the reverse of the suspension, intact enamels, unattached to its original full-length sash bearing a large bow-tied rosette and incorporating a decorative moiré pattern; and Breast Star: cross insignia in silver gilt with red and blue enamels, each of the eight points of the cross exhibiting a ball finial, the insignia mounted to an eight-pointed star base, each star point with five faceted rays, with a single faceted ray between each point, maker marked "TANFANI BERTARELLI" above a large "A" on the reverse, measuring 83.8 mm (w) x 85.5 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels. Extremely fine.

Accompanied by its Lapel Badge with its original ribbon wrapped around a 22 mm (w) x 4 mm (h) frame with dual prongs; in their hardshelled case of issue, wooden-framed, Vatican coat-of-arms framed by an open-ended wreath on the lid, maker marked "TANFANI & BERTARELLI PIAZZA DELLA MINERVA ROMA" on the white satin inside lid, white felt covered raised platform with a slightly recessed disk-shaped medal bed for the Grand Cross Badge and slotted for the Breast Star, white cloth-lined base, push release catch, dual-hinged, measuring 137 mm (w) x 282 mm (d) x 80 mm (h), the exterior exhibiting light wear and nicks, the inside lid with a horizontal tear in the white satin lining, wear and loss evident in the fabric overlying the hinged area on the interior, the white felt platform and white cloth-lined base displaying light soiling, case fine.

Footnote: The Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great was instituted on September 1, 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI and awarded for loyalty and service to the Holy See, in four grades: Grand Cross, Commander with Star, Commander and Knight, in Civil and Military Divisions.