Order of Saint Januarius, Knight's Cross

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.ITA.0112.102.01.000

Estimated market value:

$160 USD

  • Order of Saint Januarius, Knight's Cross (in bronze gilt)
  • Order of Saint Januarius, Knight's Cross (in bronze gilt)
  • Order of Saint Januarius, Knight's Cross (in bronze gilt)

Estimated market value:

$160 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Italy
  • Composition
    Bronze gilt/Enamelled
  • Size
    59x65mm
  • Version Remarks
    This example is an authorized collector's copy from the second half of the 20th century.

Physical Description and Item Details


Italy, Kingdom. An Order of St. Januarius, Grand Cross (Collectors Copy)

(Real Ordine di San Gennaro). Instituted on 3 July 1738. Post-1945 Copy. A grand cross presenting as a Maltese cross in gilded bronze, with white-enamelled cross arms, bearing red-enamelled flames on the cross arms, flanked by fleurs-de-lis between the cross arms, the obverse centre presenting the image of Saint Januarius with the Burettes and the Pastoral Staff, the reverse centre presenting the Book of Gospels, surrounded by green-enamelled laurel leaves, measuring 58.92 mm (w) x 65.04 mm (h), on loop for suspension from period original sash, and in very fine condition. Accompanied by the breast star, in silver, presenting as a multi-faceted Maltese cross, with fleurs-de-lis between each arm, the obverse centre presenting the multi-coloured enamelled Saint Januarius, the centre reverse presenting a vertical principle pin assembly, unmarked, measuring 67.14 mm (w) x 65.85 mm (h), weighing 32.1 grams, presenting evidence of repair, and in good condition.

History


The Order was instituted by King Charles of Sicily to commemorate his marriage to the Princess Amelia, of Poland.

The recipients of the Order were Roman Catholics, and they were personally chosen by the reigning Monarch of Siciliy. The number of recipients was originally capped at 60, but that restriction was eliminated later in the Order’s history.

The Knights of the Order were meant to always uphold loyalty to the King, and defend the integrity of Catholicism.

The Knights of this Order were given the title Knight of Justice or Knight of Honour. The Knights of Justice were required to trace their aristocratic lineage back four generations. While the Knights of Honour were only considered honourary members of the Order because they could not trace their lineage back four generations.

There is no difference in the design, size, or composition of the awards conferred upon the two different types of Knight.

The Order was abolished with the unification of the Italian Kingdom in 1860.

The Knight Cross features a variety of possible design features, including differences in composition, size, and inscription.

The later examples of the Knight Cross feature an inscription on the obverse reading "IN SANGUINE FOEDUS."

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