Vatican, Papal States. An Order of Christ, Breast Star, c.1850 Auction Archive the reverse bears a bird

the reverse bears a bird with outstretched wings against stars

maker marked "KOVNICA SORLINI VARAZDIN" on the inside lid

55 mm (w) x 44

the Moslem version of the Merit Order is extremely rare in all classes

the army or the navy of the United States" between 1784 and 1815

Vatican, Papal States. An Order of Christ, Breast Star, c.1850 Auction Archive the reverse bears a birdInstituted March 14, 1319 by Pope John XXII. A rare and beautiful star, comprising a silver eight point star with clusters of smooth rays, the central medallion in Gold featuring a red and white enamelled Latin cross encircled by a Gold wreath, the reverse offers a dual prong vertical suspension, with six rivets on the base to affix the cross and wreath, the star measures 75. 1 mm (w) x 74. 1 mm (h), weighs 45. 29 grams, enamels intact, light patina