Vatican. An Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great, Commander, By Tanfani & Bertarelli

(Ordo Sancti Gregorii Magni). Instituted in 1831. Civil Division. In bronze gilt, a red enameled cross with ball finials on all eight cross points, the obverse centerpiece bearing an image of St. Gregory, surrounded by the inscription S. GREGORIUS MAGNUS, the reverse centerpiece bearing the motto PRO DEO ET PRINCIPE, surrounded by the inscription GREGORIUS XVI P.M. ANNO I, measuring 85 mm (h) x 58 mm (w) inclusive of its laurel suspension, worn on neck ribbon, enamels intact, extremely fine. Housed in its original hard shell case, white satin interior, white velvet medal bed, marked TANFANI & BERTARELLI OGGETTI SACRA, extremely fine. 

Footnote: The Order of St. Gregory the Great was established on 1 September 1831, by Pope Gregory XVI, seven months after his election as Pope. The order is one of the five orders of knighthood of the Holy See. The honor is bestowed upon Catholic men and women (and certain notable non-Catholics) in recognition of their personal service to the Holy See and to the Catholic Church, through their unusual labors, their support of the Holy See, and the examples they set in their communities and their countries.