Civil and Military Merit Order under the Title of St. Joseph
A Grand Cross Set of the Order: white enameled, six-armed cross with ball finials to the tips, flanked by groups of round-tipped, dark red enameled beams; oval centre medallion with the embossed image of the saint standing on golden field within red enameled outer circlet with the golden motto “UBIQUE SIMILIS”; oval, reverse centre medallion in gold with embossed “S J F 1807” on finely pebbled ground, within red enameled outer circlet with stylized, golden laurel wreath; red enameled upper loop to which the Grand Ducal crown is hinged; round suspension ring and original, full length sash with plissée bow and ribands (as the original, Tuscan sash has to be, earlier than the “Austrian” fashioned one); Breast Star made of embossed sheet-silver, similar to the order’s badge, but imitating the embroidered stars; the reverse, fitted with vertical pin; in the original, black leatherette case of issue, the lid with gold embossed crown, fitted inner compartment, also for the sash. A beautiful, rare set in the finest, Tuscan quality, excellent condition. Dim.: the badge, 130,0 x 78,0 mm; the star, 90,0 mm. provenance: awarded to Napoleon Maret, 2nd Duke of Bassano. I RR!
A Grand Cross Set of the Order: white enameled, six-armed cross with ball finials to the tips, flanked by groups of round-tipped, dark red enameled beams; oval centre medallion with the embossed image of the saint standing on golden field within red enameled outer circlet with the golden motto “UBIQUE SIMILIS”; oval, reverse centre medallion in gold with embossed “S J F 1807” on finely pebbled ground, within red enameled outer circlet with stylized, golden laurel wreath; red enameled upper loop to which the Grand Ducal crown is hinged; round suspension ring and original, full length sash with plissée bow and ribands (as the original, Tuscan sash has to be, earlier than the “Austrian” fashioned one); Breast Star made of embossed sheet-silver, similar to the order’s badge, but imitating the embroidered stars; the reverse, fitted with vertical pin; in the original, black leatherette case of issue, the lid with gold embossed crown, fitted inner compartment, also for the sash. A beautiful, rare set in the finest, Tuscan quality, excellent condition. Dim.: the badge, 130,0 x 78,0 mm; the star, 90,0 mm. provenance: awarded to Napoleon Maret, 2nd Duke of Bassano. I RR!