Italy, Kingdom Of Two Sicilies. A Royal Military Order Of St. George, Knight Of Justice, C. 1825

Instituted January 1, 1819 by King Ferdinand I. A rare decoration, in Gold, a red enamelled cross with green enamel laurel wreath in each quarter, crossed swords pierce the center medallion, the obverse center medallion presents a gold figure of a man spearing a dragon on horseback on a white enamel field, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed VINCES IN HOC SIGNO, the reverse medallion presents the same central figure as obverse, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed VIRTUTI, measures 20.91mm (w) x 23.50mm (h- inclusive of integral suspension ball), weighs 3.7 gram, enamel wear and chipping to obverse and reverse blue enamel rings, in overall very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order was founded by King Ferdinand I on the same day he abolished the Order of the Two Sicilies. It was instituted to celebrate the reunion of Naples and Sicily into a single Kingdom and to replace the Royal Order of the Two Sicilies. Following the 1850 amendments the grades of Grand Cross, Commander, and Knight of Justice were solely awarded to Officers and Generals for meritorious service in the military, and valour in battle. The Knight of Justice is identical to the Knight of Grace, except the Knight of Justice features a laurel wreath surrounding the cross arms, while the Knight of Grace has no laurel wreath.