Order of St. Silvester and the Golden Spur

An unusual, gilt Silver collar of the order made by alternated seven links with “S” between cylindrical bars and seven links composed by 6 “cannonballs each; the closure, made as a larger “ball” with hook to engage in an opposite loop (here, three French “Swan” mark for pieces passed in auction); the forward centre-link, as a trophy of arms, surmounting two crossed cannon barrels with muzzles pointing down, where the order’s Badge in Gold is suspended; with white enameled arms and chiseled rims, flanked by stylized beams and a stylized spur with rotating wheel below; centre medallion with chiseled image of the saint on white enameled ground, within blue enameled outer circlet with golden inscription; white enameled reverse centre medallion with the year of institution “MDCCCXLI” in gold and blue enameld outer circlet with “GREGORVS . XVI . RESTITVIT”.A beautiful collar chain, probably an unicum, made by a high ranking officer or specially-made for award. Dim. Length of the chain 70,0 cm. approx..; the badge, 117,0 x 58,0 mm. incl. the trophy suspension. I RR!