NEW! Order of Saint Sylvester, Grand Cross breast star. Very nice older quality, likely 1920's-1930's. Bust of the Saint is large and well defined. Some cracking to white enamels but not chipped. Nicely vaulted. All original hardware intact. Appears to be silver, centre gilded, most likely of Italian manufacturing. About 87mm in diameter, lightly worn but good condition. Item # Vat-85 (415)
Recently published!
'Orders and Awards of the Holy See' - original title in French: 'Ordres et decorations du Saint-Siege' by Dominique Henneresse.
This much needed volume is simply a "must-have"! As far as phaleristic reference, nothing comparable has been written/compiled to date.
A well respected author - Dominique Henneresse - has delivered what wil arguably be the best reference compilation on this very complex and interesting topic. Orders of the Vatican/Holy See are not well addressed in the available literature - this volume makes it that much easier to identify and catalogue collections. Furthermore, the rather confusing (and for the most part not well covered) aspect of the Benemerenti and other medals and awards is very well organized.
The sheer volume of the imagery contained within this work is staggering. Many images have not been published in mainstream references to date. Documents, presentation boxes, recipients' photographs, uniforms and more.
Excellent layouts and quality editing makes it a pleasure to peruse. Add great quality paper and hard covers - this is one volume that will please even the most demanding phalerists. The original book is in French. Fear not English speakers; an English translation of the French text is available. This accompanying book has no images as it is meant as a companion to the French volume.
Over 550 pages.
Book can be purchased directly from author's web site:
1903 Lateran Cross (Crux Lateranum or Croce Lateranese), 2nd class (silvered) in original box of issue. This set would date to the years of the founding of the award. Established by Pope Leo XIII 18.2.1903 in 3 degrees (gold, silver and bronze). Both, gold and silver grades are rare where as the bronze is easier to find. Cross in excellent condition (slight wear to plating), details are crisp. Original ribbon shows age and a little of colour fading. Fitted box of issue also shows age but it is in very good overall condition. Cross measures 44.2mm in width. Very nice set, would certainly please a discerning collecto. Item # Vat-83 (190)
For Merit (AL MERITO) in Education gold (silver gilt) medal. Quite rare in the 'gold' class, as awarded for the highest members of the Papal educational community (former rectors of the 'ANGELICUM' university being a good examples). It came in the silver and gold class only. Medal offered here dates to a first half of the 19th century (Pope Gregory XVI period). It is complete with original ribbon (this is rarely found). Shows wear and age, spotty wear to gilding and a few pin holes in the ribbon. Also some contact marks to the medal. Designer/manufacturer's initials seen on both sides ('MEP' 'EP'). 32mm in diameter.
Item # Vat-82 (148)
Pope Gregory XIII (1572-1585), The massacre of the Huguenots 1572/3 Medal. Such medals were struck in commemoration of the event known as St. Bartholomew's massacre conducted by the French in 1572. There has been quite a bit of interest about these medals, many believe that expressions in the faces (fear) on the reverse having direct ties to the Protestant Church. Whatever the case might be, it is an interesting medal. The medalier's inititals are indicated beneath the bust of the Pope 'F.P', these belonging to Federigo Bonzagna who at the time was called Federigo di Parma. Hence the letters F.P., which are to be found on several of his medals, stand for 'Fredericus Parmensis'. Some sources credit it to "Fecit Pisanus" which would be impossible since Pisanus died over hundred years prior. Medal offered here appears to be original, likely issued in the 2nd year. The general consensus in the reference material is that first issue was done in the 1st year of the Papacy and struck in silver. 2nd issue was done in the following year and purportedly done in either bronze or copper with gilding. This medal appears to be done as such. What is rather interesting, if compared to the image of the original strike - the 2nd strike has additional faint 'I' added in order to make it "AN II' (at the end of inscription on the obverse). Curious rim has been also added, sort of coin-like border. Diameter of the actual medal is about 31mm and with addage of the rim 33mm. Old style gilding is evident. There appear to have been number of restrikes of these medals, as early as 1880s and as late as the Philadelphia Mint in 1924. References: CNORP III, 682; Patrignani 1951, p. 55; Armand I, 226, 37; Mazio 110; Lincoln 697-9; DDL pl. XV, 8; Whitman 14. Rare medal.
Item # Vat-81 (235)
Gregory XVI Benemerenti medal, by 'NIC.CERBARA'. Very rare medal, issued in 1832 predominantly to Austrian military for the suppression of the 1831-32 resurgence. This in essence was the very first movement in the long road to the unification of Italian states. Modenese patriot Ciro Menotti was at the forefront of this movement, he became a martyr who was idolized in the later years (by th likes of Giuseppe Garibaldi who named one of his sons Menotti). Ciro Menotti was executed for his beliefs and action at the Citadel of Modena in 1831 by the Austrians. Following the example of Modena, Papal legations of Bologna, Forlì, Ravenna, Imola, Ferrara, Pesaro and Urbino revolted and all replaced the papal flag with the 'Tricolore' (which later became the flag of the unified Italy). The union is known as Province Italiane unite. Duchy of Modena followed suit, which prompted Pope Gregory XVI to call for Austrian help. As a result, Austrian armies marched through the regions, crushing all resurgencies along the way, executing or imprisoning the leaders. Localized bitter fights occured.
Medal is rare. There were only 3 of 4 various awards made for the series of events. Should almost be considered as a campaign medal since only the military were the intended recipients. Medal is struck in bronze, shows wear and age. Edge dings are visible yet not detracing from the overall appearance. Details are very good considering the age of this medal. Complete with contemporary ribbon, Austrian style arrangement seems a good fit. One of the very few 'Benemerenti' medals featuring more than just the word on the reverse. A pair of cherubs (or angels) holding a scroll with the word Bene Merenti. Designer's name clear. 29mm in diameter. This was one of the earliest in the the whole 'Benemerenti' series of medals (5th according to our sources). Item # Vat- 80 *Sold*
Gregory the 'Magnanimous' Order - full Grand Cross set in silver and gilt. Pius XI period, 1922-1939. This was a very active period for the Papacy, one of the more notable achievements were the Lateran Treaties. This period was not particularly rich in awards, especially in the highest class in this Order. Set comprises of the full sash ribbon, sash badge, breast star and original case of issue. Both of the insignia are in excellent condition. Breast star is especially attractive with superbly detailed centre and 'pierced' design. Box is very attractive, bearing gold inked Papal arms which are impressed on the lid, beautifully decorated trim in similar fashion. Case is quite large, 27cm x 14cm x 8cm, there are few light scuffs and dark spots but overall it is in very good condition. Fitted black plush liner (removable) inside. Manufacturer's stamp under the lid : 'Tanfani & Bertarelli, Piazza Della Minerva - Roma'. Such containers are very rare. Badge measures 56mm in width, breast star is circa 88mm in diameter with the cross in the centre being exact same size as the sash badge. Reverse shows neat 'compression' type thread retainers which hold badge in place. Manufacturer's plaque (Tanfani & Bertrelli) affixed to the back of the wreath, so is the letter 'A' for argento (silver). Sash ribbon is of very good quality (original to the award) and excellent condition, measuring 101mm in width. Moire patterns are very well defined. This is a remarkable set, it would prove very difficult to find a better example of this grade and the period. Item # Vat-76 *SOLD*
Order of Gregory the Great 3rd class (Commander) - Pius XII period (1939-58). Excellent quality set comprising of the neck badge, full ribbon with clip ties and the original box of issue. Manufactured by 'Tanfani & Bertarelli' in Rome. Badge is of very fine quality, each arm is separately attached to the body. Silver gilt with gold centres. Saint's bust is highly raised. One of the ball-tips is bent, few slight chips but none dectract from the overall appearance. Button-hole rosette included. Box is nicely decorated and features Papal arms on the lid. Cross measures 56mm in width. Excellent set for a discerning collector. Item # Vat-75 (515)
Holy Jubilee Year 1975 silver medal, Paul VI. Boxed set, very good quality. Medal complete with original ribbon and fastener. Crafted in '800' fineness silver, manufacturer's punch is clear (701 MI) - this number belonged to the firm of Emilio Senesi in Milan. Designer's name also inscribed but hard to make out. Box is very fine, covered with brown moire material (shows slight aging). Silver papal arms badge attached to the top of the case. Medal is 34.5mm in diameter and in excellent condition. Hard to find (especially as a complete set), such silver medals were awarded to the notable people and sparingly. Note of interest, a non-portable versions were sold as keepsakes. Item # Vat-74 *SOLD*
Sylverster II, medal commemorating first French Pope (Gerbert d'Aurillac). Date 1851 (monument of Pope Sylvester II was placed in Aurillac). Medal in bronze, designer marked beneath bust (David Sculpsit). 24mm in diameter. Complete with ribbon (probably newer). Nice medal. Item # Vat-68 (70)
Leo XIII, Anniversary of the 1854 Apostolic Constitution (pertaining to The Immaculate Conception) by Pius IX. It is uncertain which anniversary but since Leo XIII was Pope between 1878 and 1903 - it can only be 25 -40th. Medal seems to be similar in quality and appearance to similar ones issued during 1880's. Blackened bronze, great details. 25.5mm dia. Ribbon appears to be original. Very good condition. Item # Vat-23 (50)
Blessed Pius IX (1846-78) commemorative medal. Full inscription, coat of arms, dates of birth and death on reverse. Bronze. Worn, but in good condition. Complete with ribbon (unsure if original). 29.5mm diameter. Item #Vat-26 (42)
Pius XI (1922-39) Pontifical Medal. Silver gilt (hallmarked 800 to reverse), by S. Johnson. Original ribbon. Immaculate condition (no pun intended!). Hard to find. 32mm diameter. Item #Vat-27 (85)
Great War Medal of Merit for Military Chaplains in very rare, silver grade! (Ita: Medaglia Commemorativa della Guerra 1915-1918 Ai Cappelani Militari). Official medal awarded in recognition of services at the front. Chaplains had very few awards available to them for their efforts in the "trenches". Medal is rarely seen even in the bronze grade. Offered here is a very nice original, complete with an excellent period ribbon. Marked by the manufacturer (SJ). ø 38mm . Medal and ribbon both in very fine condition, light tarnish throughout and a few contact marks. It is a first time we have seen this medal in the silver grade.
Reference: Brambilla,page 591. According to the author, silver grade medals are very rare and were awarded for the chaplains who were promoted to the higher 'levels' in the ecclesiastic society (church). Thus, medal might be of interest to the Vatican-related medal collections. Item # Ita-399
Order of Pius IX, Knight of the Order in 18K gold. Very nice and earlier type, multi part construction. Original ribbon. Few slight chips to blue and one larger to reverse centre plaque. Overall very good condition, beautifully crafted - likely by Italian manufacturer. Centre with hand-chased details (few minor chips). 45mm wide. Vintage would fall between 1870's - 1905. Item # Con-Vat-7
*SOLD*
*SOLD*
Avvocati Di San Pietro Decoration, also known as Advocates of Saint Peter. Breast badge (2nd class) in original box of issue. Shows wear, few of the ball-tips bent (not detractive). Enamels are in good condition. Bronze gilt. Hard to find. Case somewhat scuffed. Item # Con-Vat-4
John XXIII Pontifical medal, 1959. Original case of issue with Papal arms embossing. Original ribbon and clasp. Oboedientia et pax (Blessed John's XXII personal motto). Bronze gilt. Item # Con-Vat-2
Leo XIII 1900 Jubilee medal in silver. This is truly unique medal for it was made in Czech language (the country was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918). The silver punch mark to the suspension eye appears to be from Prague (it is very hard to make out). Great details to all, full inscription to reverse. 29.2mm dia. Original ribbon lightly soiled. Rare and unusual item, most Papal Jubilee medals were struck in Italy. Shows age and some wear (few minor edge marks). Would make for a great addition in your Papal medals collection. Item # Vat-24 *SOLD*
Order of Saint Sylvester, Commander class in case of issue by Rothe, Vien. Silver or bronze gilt (unmarked). Good quality, multi part construction. Cross/ribbon in great condition - no enamel damage. Case shows age, typical edge rubs and scuffs. Lid embossing still OK. Interior shows signs of moisture (yellowing of the white silk lining, partial maker's logo easily read). Cross 58.5mm wide. Full length ribbon with neck ties, 53mm wide. Nice set. Hard to date but possibly of 1930's. Item # Vat-47 *SOLD*
Pius XI, 1929 Benemerenti bronze medal. Reverse inscribed: Anno Quinquagesimo Ab Inito Sacerditio, Benemerenti MCMXXVIIII'. Quality striking, designer's mark beneath Pope's bust. Original ribbon worn but still presentable. 33mm diameter. Showing age and some wear, no damage. Hard to find type. Item # Vat-2 *SOLD*
Pius X (Pope 1903-1914) 'Benemerenti' silver medal. Very good quality by 'Bianchi'. Showing age and wear, few light edge knocks but not detractive. Original ribbon. 29.5mm dia. Item # Vat-18. *SOLD*
1903 Lateran Cross (Crux Lateranum or Croce Lateranese), 3rd grade in blackened bronze. Established by Pope Leo XIII 18.2.1903 in 3 degrees (gold, silver and bronze). Great quality, original ribbon worn (several pulls to edges and top). Rarely offered for sale. 47mm wide. Item # Vat-34 *SOLD*
Leo XIII 1887 pontifical medal. Bronze gilt, manufactured by Rome's mint (marked 'Romae' to bottom). Reverse insribed: 'Quinquagesimus A Sacerdotio Leonis XIII P M, Annus MDCCCLXXXVII'. Possibly refering to the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. It was also called Quinquagesima Sunday, Shrove Sunday or Esto Mihi. The name originates from Latin quinquagesimus (fiftieth), referring to the fifty days before Easter Sunday. 30mm in diameter. Lightly worn, majority of gilt remaining. Complete with short piece of old blue ribbon, unsure if original. Interesting medal. Item # Vat-36 *SOLD*
Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, gold cross. Silver gilt, finest Italian quality (most likely by Tanfani & Bertarelli). Original ribbon with 'safety-pin' type fastener. Ribbon lightly soiled. Great condition otherwise. Item #Vat-32. *SOLD*
Kingdom of Sardinia,1847 Customs Union Medal. Pius IX-Carlo Alberto type. Commemorates the conclusion of a customs agreement between the Papal States, Kingdom of Sardinia and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Bronze, in great condition, complete with proper period ribbon. ref. Brambilla, p. 173. Rare and desirable medal. 27.5mm x 31mm. Item # Ita-123. *Sold*
1849 Troop medal for the siege of Rome. Complete with 38mm original ribbon. Designer/maker initials in relief (bottom obverse): 'N C'. 32mm in diameter. Item # Vat-43 *SOLD*
Pius X (Pope 1903-1914, canonised as Saint Pius X in 1954). 1904 Medal to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Dogmatic Definition of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pope Pius IX released the Apostolic Constitution defining the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8 December 1854. This was called the "Ineffabilis Deus". In 1904 Pope Pius X released The Encyclical called "AD DIEM ILLUM LAETISSIMUM". 2 part construcion (bronze gilt outer and silver core). Original ribbon mounted in tri-fold style. Very good condition, rarely encountered medal. 26mm in diameter. Unmarked, most likely by Mint of Rome. Item # Vat-19. *SOLD*
Pius XI and Vittorio Emmanuel III occasional medal. This small commemoration set (case, medal and name plate) was probably made for participants of the Lateran Pacts of 1929. Medal is very thin and permanently affixed to the case's lining. Most interesting ensemble. Appears to be silver. Maker or designer marked on obverse: O Marini. Medal measures 25mm in diameter. Item #Vat-38. *SOLD*
Vatican - Order of Saint Sylvester. Commander 2nd grade (without star) badge (2nd class of the Order) in silver gilt. Good quality workmanship. Multi part construction. Enamels intact. Fancy suspension. Marked with silver content to top of suspension (800). Order of Saint Sylvester is a high ranking Vatican Order (behind Christ and Golden Spur Orders). Initially founded in 1841 as an alteration of the Golden Spur Order. Originally insignia carried the spur at the bottom but most recent revision (in 1905) removed it. Presented here is the 2nd type award, probably by 'Cravanzola, Rome' - in my opinion 1920-1950's vintage. Sparsely awarded. Fitted with proper neck ribbon. 58.3mm wide. Very good looking piece. Item # Vat-1 *SOLD*
Order of Our Lady of Mercy (Ordine della Mercede). Great quality enamels. Crown suspension with red enamel. Multi part construction. Comes complete with full neck ribbon and ties. Contained in orginal, fitted case of issue, maker marked under the lid: 'A.G. Merli, Via Condotti 33A, Roma'. Top with beautiful, gold embossed coat of arms of the Order. Great condition, shows light wear. Attractive and little known Order. Hard to date piece as insignia remained unchanged for a long time. Probably early 1900's or so. 71mm x 43 mm. Reverse exactly same as obverse. Item # Vat-3 *SOLD*
Order of Saint Gregory. Military Division Commander (2nd class) neck badge. Full length, original ribbon with ties. Appears to be 1920's-1940's vintage. Unmarked, however judging by workmanship made in Tanfani & Bertarelli's shop. Very good quality, multi part construction. Very rare in Military Division (shield of arms suspension). 58mm wide, 95mm high (with trophy of arms suspension). Great condition, no enamel damage. Appears to be silver gilt. A must for serious Vatican Orders collector. Note that Military Division of 2nd type (1834-1905) were a lot more frequent then the post 1905 type. Many were awarded during Italian Wars of Independence (1848/59/60) to French and other troops. Item # Vat-4 *SOLD*
Order of Militia of Jesus Christ. The Original Order was founded as an off-shoot from Dominicans around 13th Century. Order was supposed to bound members to defend Church and It's interests. Order's members hailed from France, Spain, Italy and Germany. History states that Order did not last long and had been dissolved at one point. It has been brought back to 'life' in 1870 as Italian troops captured Rome. New members consisted of former Papal Army officers who pledged to fight for the rights of the Holy See. Vatican however did not acknowledge the Order as that of the Holy See. In that aspect it should be considered as an International Order. Presented here is the neck badge (Commander) of the Order in gilt. Light patina throughout. Black and white enamels intact. Both sides are identical. Cross measures 72.5mm x 57mm. Original neck ribbon complete with ties. Rarely seen in commerce. Seems to be 1940's vintage, perhaps little earlier. Condition is good to very good. Item # Vat-5 *SOLD*
The Order Of St. Gregory The Great. Knight of 2nd type (post 1834). Bautifully crafted in gold (NOT GILT!). Mid XIX c. Swiss gold punch marks (Geneva) on eyes (cross and wreath suspension). Lovely, narrow old style wreath. Deep cross-cut pattern under red enamels. Ribbon appears to be original, front faded. It is rare to find a Swiss-made insignia. Enamels intact. 41.5mm wide, 58mm high (to top of wreath suspension). Multi part construction. Superb piece! Item # Vat-6 *SOLD*
Bene Merenti - 1950 Jubilee silver award. These were issued to clergy only and are hard to find. Complete with original, fitted case of issue (embossed: Comitato Centrale, Anno Santo 1950). Silvered cross with green enamel laurel wreath. Obverse inscribed: 'Bene Merenti', reverse: 'Anno Jubilaei MCML'. Suspended from Vatican coat of arms. Original ribbon. Enamels intact. Light wear, some tarnish. 55mm wide. Item # Vat-7 *SOLD*
Same as above but in bronze and no case. Very good condition, light wear. No damage to enamels. Hard to find. Item # Vat-8 *SOLD*
Leo XIII (Pope 1878-1903) Bene Merenti medal in silver. Fancy suspension with, very good details to all. Medal by: 'F. Bianchi'. 38mm in diameter. Replacement ribbon. Very good condition with only slight wear. Item # Vat.-9 *SOLD*
John XXIII (Pope 1958-63) Bene Merenti medal. Silver gilt. Vatican coat of arms suspension (great details). 32.5mm diameter. Handsome looking award. Original ribbon very clean. Shows light wear, no damage. Item # Vat-10 *SOLD*
Leo XIII Pontificate medal by Bianchi. Well detailed silver medal. Original ribbon. Reverse insribed: 'Anno. L. Ab. Inito. Episcopatu' to edge - ' Oleo Sancto Meo VNXI EVM Ps. LXXXVIII' to center. 31mm diamter. Rare medal. Very good condition. Item # Vat-11 *SOLD*
Paul VI (Pope 1963-78) 30 years service cross. These were issued to clergy for long services and are quite rare. Silver cross with Vatican coat of arms suspension, center inscribed 'XXX' in relief. Reverse inscribed: 'Paulus Papa VI'. Great details to all. Pebbly arms. Original ribbon. 37mm wide. Light tarnish. Very attractive award. Item # Vat-12 *SOLD*
Pius XI (Pope 1922-1939) Pontificate medal. Rare, French manufacture (Depose) well marked to both sides. Medal in silver with its original ribbon. Obverse of the Pope, inscribed: 'Pius XI Pont. Max.'. Reverse of most interesting design, portraying Christ's resurrection, angel to the left, Roman soldiers to bottom right and Mount Golgota with the 3 crosses to far right. Bottom inscribed: '19 Centenario 1933'. Truly interesting medal. 26mm dia. Item # Vat-13 *SOLD*
Pius XII Pontificate commemorative medal. Silvered bronze. Medal by Italian state mint, marked: 'Morbiducci' with crowned 'Z'. Pope to obverse. Reverse of St. Paul Basilica, Colliseum and Forum Romanum. Well detailed medal. 25.5mm dia. Very interesting. Light tarnish. Item # Vat-14 *SOLD*
1964 Papal Pilgrimige to Holy Land commemorative medal. Highly interesting medal in bronze. Complete with appropriate ribbon. Obverse inscribed: 'Paulus PP VI Peregrinus in Terra Sancta'. Reverse inscribed: '4. 6. I. 1964 Christo + Ecclesiam +Offert'. 36.5mm dia. Light wear but no damage. Item # Vat-15 *SOLD*
1975 City of Rome and Vatican Jubilee medal. Well detailed, high relief. Interesting medal. 35mm x 49mm. Complete with ribbon. Item # Vat-16 *SOLD*
Order of Saint Gregory. Commander (2nd class) neck badge in silver gilt. Remarkable, XIXc. example with all original case of issue and button mount neck ribbon. Civil division. Outstanding - jeweler quality with vibrant enamels (very few chips) and attention to details. Wide wreath (this is typical to 1860-90's examples). Produced by A. Tanfani (firm was the premier jeweler to Vatican until 1920's). The firm's address and type of marking (to lid of the case) indicates 1868-1883 manufacturing. Rare opportunity to own older type of this highly attractive award. Case is quite large, red textured paper with gold embossed trim (check out the corner detail) and Papal arms (older style). Silk and fancy felt lining, retaining wall for the badge upon the raised presentation 'landing'. All original, multi-part construction. This must be the nicest example I have ever been able to offer. 56.5mm wide (badge), 35.5mm wreath. Great piece. Item # Vat-20 *SOLD*
Leo XIII 1900 Pontifical medal by SJ (Stefano Johnson). Large (42mm diameter) silvered medal. Complete with ribbon. Good condition. 'SJ' marked to both sides. Very nice. Item # Vat-21 *SOLD*
Pius X, 1908 Golden Jubilee of Priesthood commemorative medal. Bronze, by Stefano Johnson (marked S J). 32mm dia. Rare medal, ribbon most likely a replacement. Good details, shows light wear but no damage. Item # Vat-22 *SOLD*
Pius X Medal, commemorating the 1600th anniversary of the founding of the Christian Empire by Roman emperor Constantine I in A.D. 312. Silvered bronze, by Stefano Johnson. Attractive design. Ribbon seems to be original. Very interesting and rarely seen piece. 29mm diameter. Item #Vat-25 *SOLD*
Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For Church and Pontiff) Award. Instituted by Pope Leo XIII in 1888, it was awarded for distinguished service to the Catholic Church. This was the Church's highest distinction short of being knighted into a Papal Order (e.g., St. Sylvester). Originally the award was divided in three classes: gold, silver and bronze; but in 1908 Pius X decided that it would only be awarded in one grade - gold. Silver gilt cross of fine quality, complete with original ribbon and case of issue. Papal coat of arms embossed to lid indicates it was issued during Benedict XV papacy (1914-22). Benedict XV-era awards of this type are relatively scarce, possibly due to outbreak and duration of WW1. Cross in great condition, ribbon lightly soiled. Original safety pin-type fastener. Case shows age, but no damage. Lovely older set of this still issued award. 42.5mm wide. Item # Vat-28 *SOLD*
Pius IX Election Commemorative Medal. White metal, approximately 60% silver plating remains. High relief, wonderfully detailed Papal coat of arms on reverse. 37mm diameter. Item # Vat-29. *SOLD*
Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, gold cross. Bronze gilt, complete with original case of issue (maker: Tanfani & Bertarelli, Roma). Pius XII era (1939-58). U-type needle fastener (normally used by French or Belgian recipients). Initials written on case: J.P. Other than faded ribbon, overall condition is excellent. 44 x 44 mm. Item # Vat-31. *SOLD*
Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, rare silver cross (2nd class). First type of this award, as issued from institution until 1908 (changed to single class: gold). Great quality, multi-part construction (each fleur-de-lis is separately applied). Very good condition, few dark areas around center disk. Original ribbon. These are getting hard to find in silver class. Item # Vat-33. *SOLD*
Pius XI (Pope 1929-1939) Benemerenti 'Anno Jubilee' silver cross. Rare in this form, some discolouring to red enamels (reverse). Very fine quality. Superbly detailed suspension of Vatican crown/keys. Open work abreviated inscriptions between arms. Original ribbon. 30.5mm x 68mm (to top of suspension device). Very good condition. Item # Vat-35 *SOLD*
