San Marino, Republic. An Order Of Saint Agatha, Commander, C.1940

Instituted June 5 1923. In gilded silver with enamels a white enamelled cross pattee, bearing a bust of Saint Agatha in the center on obverse, hallmarked on the edge of the 6 o'clock arm with a 950 silver mark and an Italian mark denoting c. 1934-44 manufacture, on period neck ribbon, measuring at 48.6mm (w) x 53.8mm (h), and weighing at 38.6 grams, contact to enamel at the 12 o’clock mark on obverse of medal, enamel chips to the top of the obverse12 o'clock arm, remains in very fine condition.

Footnote: This Order was instituted by the Grand and General Council of the Republic of San Marino on June 5, 1923. It is conferred upon native or foreign citizens for charitable services rendered within the civil or military realms. Saint Agatha is a patron saint of San Marino who was fiercely devoted to God and underwent torture because of her faith and lack of interest in admiring men. She is considered the saint of bell-founders, bakers, breast cancer patients and nurses. San Marino celebrates the Feast of St. Agatha on February 5th each year, a public national holiday.