Vatican. Equestrian An Order Of The Holy Sepulchre Of Jerusalem, Iii Class Knight For Gentleman With Trophy Of Arms, C.1960

(Ordo Equestris Sancti Sepulcri Hierosolymitani). Instituted in 1847. In silvered bronze with red enamels, the arms with a two-piece construction, in bronze gilt with red enamels, measuring 37.5 mm (w) x 82 mm (h) inclusive of its trophy of arms suspension, intact enamels, original ribbon with dual prong pinback, extremely fine. Accompanied by its Rosette which houses the insignia in bronze gilt with red enamels, measuring 8.5 mm in diameter, with button hole attachment, in its hardshelled case of issue, exterior in simulated red leather, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem insignia in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in off-white satin and padded, base with a platform that incorporates a recessed medal bed in beige felt, measuring 88 mm (w) x 111 mm (h) x 27.5 mm (d), spotting and crazing evident on the exterior, lightly soiled medal bed, case better than very fine.

Footnote: The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, also called the Order of the Holy Sepulchre or Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, is a Roman Catholic order of knighthood under the protection of the Holy See. The Pope is sovereign of the Order. Founded as Milites Sancti Sepulcri attached to the Augustinian Canons Regular of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, recognized in 1113 by Papal bull of Pope Paschal II and of Pope Calistus II in 1122. It traces its roots to circa 1099 under the Frankish Duke Godfrey of Bouillon, Advocatus Sancti Sepulchri, "Defender of the Holy Sepulchre", one of the leaders of the First Crusade and first ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. It is an internationally recognized order of knighthood.