A Grand Cross set: Sash Badge in Gold, with white enameled arms, flanked by beautifully chiseled and engraved fleurs de lys with polished and matted details; obverse centre medallion with highly polished royal monogram within convex, green enameled oak wreath with orange-red enameled acorns and ribands; gold-bordered, night-blue enameled outer circlet with motto “DE REGE OPTIME MERITO” in golden lettering; reverse medallion with night-blue enameled inscription “FRANCISVS I TISTVIT MDCCCXXIX” on polished gold ground, within separately-made thick, green enameled oak wreath enriched by dark red enameled acorns and ribbons; typical, upper crown, solidly mounted to the cross by means of tiny rivets, with most accurately chiseled, engraved and finished details; large upper loop, solidly mounted to the orb and doubled, suspension ring made of thick, gold wire; Breast Star with arms made of chiseled and pierced Silver, flanked by golden, chiseled fleurs-de-lys; mirror-polished gold centre medallion bearing the monogram “F. I”; within green enameled oak wreath with orange-red enameled acorns and ribands; night-blue enameld outer circlet with motto “DE REGE OPTIME MERITO” in golden lettering, surrounded by silver, beaded border; the reverse fitted with vertical pin and original uncut ribbon.
A beautiful and early, rare Napolitan group of the finest quality, excellent condition. Dim.: the badge, 98,0 x 62,0 mm.; the star, dia. 74,5 mm. I R!