Vatican, Papal States. A Pontifical Equestrian Order Of St.gregorius, Grand Cross, By A. Tanfani, C.1875 United Republic of overlaid by silvered crossed rifles

overlaid by silvered crossed rifles and a white enameled Sig rune

These Type I decorations were also called “de Remplacement

and now a Major

one side illustrating an eagle with raised wings on top of crossed cannons plus a picklehaube above

Allen embarked for France with the Lord Strathcona's Horse

Vatican, Papal States. A Pontifical Equestrian Order Of St.gregorius, Grand Cross, By A. Tanfani, C.1875 United Republic of overlaid by silvered crossed rifles(Ordo Sancti Gregorii Magni). Instituted 1831. Eight pointed silver star, obverse centre in Gold presenting a superposed enameled red Maltese Cross with ball finials, the centre with an affixed portrait of St. Gregorius on an enameled blue background, surrounded by inscription S GREGORIUS MAGNUS, reverse with flat pin assembly, marked by early makers cartouche of A. Tanfani, measuring 79. 2 mm (w) x 78. 6mm (h), with minor toned silver on the star,