Vatican, State. An Equestrian Order Of St. Gregory The Great For Civil Merit, Ii Class Commander Set, Cased, By Tanfani & Bertarelli, C.1930

(Ordine di San Gregorio Magno). Instituted in 1831. Badge: multi-piece construction, in silver gilt with red and blue enamels, each of the eight points of the cross exhibiting a ball finial, surmounted by a wreath in silver gilt with red and green enamels, maker marked "TANFANI BERTARELLI" beside a large "A" on the reverse of the wreath, measuring 55.5 mm (w) x 82 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath suspension, crazing evident in the red enamels on the upper tip of the arm at 9 o'clock on the obverse, otherwise the enamels are intact, original neck ribbon; and Breast Star: cross insignia with a multi-piece construction, in silver gilt with red and blue enamels, each of the eight points of the cross exhibiting a ball finial, mounted to eight-pointed silver star base, each star point with five faceted rays, with a single faceted ray between each star point, maker marked "TANFANI BERTARELLI" above a large "A" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 81.5 mm (w) x 81 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, light contact marks on the red enamels on the arm at 3 o'clock, otherwise the enamels are intact. Together, near extremely fine. Accompanied by a Rosette, measuring 15.8 mm in diameter and maker marked "KRETLY 46 PALAIS ROYAL" on the buttonhole attachment. In their hardshelled case of issue, wooden-framed, Vatican coat-of-arms in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in white satin, padded and maker marked "TANFANI & BERTARELLI PIAZZA DELLA MINERVA ROMA", white felt covered raised platform with a slightly recessed disk-shaped medal bed for the badge and slotted for the breast star, white cloth-lined base, push release, dual-hinged, measuring 138 mm (w) x 277 mm (h) x 41 mm (d), the exterior with light wear and scuffing, the white felt platform exhibiting light soiling, case better than very 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.