Grand Cross Breast Star, 85x85 mm., Silver, GOLD red enameled cross, resting on chiseled and pierced beams, flanked by green enameled, golden laurel wreath and crossed swords, also in gold, white enameled centre medallion bearing the image of St. George fighting the dragon, within ornated, golden border, blue enameled outer circlet, bearing the Order’s motto “In HOC SIGNO VINCES”, composed of finely chiseled and engraved, golden lettering, the whole, surrounded by a broad border of stylized, neoclassical palmettes, gilt, polished reverse, with engraved outline of the wreath’s and swords’ reverse; counter- medallion, engraved with maker’s signature “Baudin, Palais Royal n. 39 a Paris” and vertical pin of narrow, flattened section; in its original, red morocco fitted case of issue.
A beautiful, rare star from the period of the first awards in the early 19th Century, excellent quality and condition. I R!