International. A Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, Cross of Merit

(Sovrano Militare Ordine Ospedaliero di San Giovanni di Gerusalemme, di Rodi e di Malta). Instituted in the twelfth century. In silver gilt with red and white enamels, unmarked, measuring 41.8 mm (w) x 69.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown and laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, on its original bow-tied ribbon with safety pin attachment, extremely fine. Accompanied by its Miniature, in bronze gilt with red and white enamels, unmarked, measuring 16.5 mm (w) x 19.3 mm (h), shield clasp affixed to its original ribbon with safety pin attachment, in their hardshelled case of issue, red dimpled exterior, the Order's cross insignia on the lid, inside lid in white satin, padded and maker marked "TANFANI & BERTARELLI OGGETTI SACHI Via S. Chiara N. 37A 42 ROMA", base with a raised platform and incorporating a recessed medal bed in burgundy red felt, measuring 100.8 mm (w) x 100.8 mm (h) x 26.5 mm (d), minor scuffing on the exterior, case better than very fine. 

Footnote: The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, often popularly referred to as the "Knights of Malta", was in existence certainly as long ago as the early years of the twelfth century and is still extant today. Originally based in Jerusalem, the Order moved to Tripoli following the capture of Jerusalem by Saladin in 1187 and to Rhodes by way of Cyprus after the fall of Acre in 1291. In 1522 Suleiman the Magnificent took Rhodes and the Order scattered. Charles V granted the Order the island of Malta and the Order settled here from 1530 to 1798 when Napoleon Bonaparte captured the island en route for Egypt. In 1834, the order established a new headquarters in Rome and took on its current humanitarian and ceremonial role with Grand Masters being appointed by the Pope. The Cross of Merit was founded in 1916 by Grand Master Thun von Hohenstein of the Grand Priory of Austria. In 1920, the award of the Cross was widened so that the Grand Master of the Order in Rome may award it to any individual, whether Catholic or not, who has rendered outstanding service to the Order.