An important Commander’s Cross of the Order from the time of the institution, in 1841: White enameled octagonal cross in Gold, the border with brilliant-cut chiselwork, flanked by en-suite chiseled beams; the lower arm with a downwardly pointing, golden spur with separately-made wheel; blue enameled centre medallion with the bust of the saint in gold; chiseled outer circlet with highly polished inscription “SANC. SILVESTER. PONT MAX.” on finely granulated and patinated ground; the reverse with white enameled cross’s arms with thin, chiseled gold border, flanked by polished, concave rays; blue enameled centre medallion with the date in roman numerals “MDCCCXII” (!), the medallion’s outer circlet with polished inscription “GREGORIVS XVI RESTITVIT” on a finely granulated ground; upper loop chiseled as a downwardly pointing acanthus leaf with hinged, large bulbous, red enameled crown of Imperial type with chiseled details; suspension ring with small eyelet; with original ribbon ring, fitted with a hook of blackened steel to suspend the decoration; original, red morocco case, with gold embossed ornaments on the lid (the inner, fitted compartment, wanting).
An outstanding, piece, perhaps the finest specimen ever seen of this Order, most possibly unique with its Imperial crown suspension.
Dim.: 85,0x52,0 mm. I RR!