Italian States, Sicily Kingdom. A Royal Order Of Francis I, Grand Cross Star, C.1900 Archive featuring a black-and-white reproduced photograph

featuring a black-and-white reproduced photograph of the subject

surrounded by a gilt laurel wreath

in original case of issue marked Kerbach & Oesterhelt

Footnote: The National Defence Cross was instituted on December 11

An extremely well-preserved Reichsmarine Officer’s dagger

Italian States, Sicily Kingdom. A Royal Order Of Francis I, Grand Cross Star, C.1900 Archive featuring a black-and-white reproduced photographInstituted on September 28, 1829 by Francis I. Likely of Austrian production, in silver gilt, a lovely large star with arms presenting a sequined pattern, and sequined Fleur de lis in each, the obverse medallion features a crowned F. I. cypher, surrounded by a green enamelled wreath, and blue enamelled ring inscribed DE REGE OPTIME MERITO, the reverse presents a single vertical pin, measures 82. 15mm (w) x 81. 90mm (h), weighs 56. 9 grams, small