Italy, Two Sicilies. An Order of Francis I, II Class Knight in Gold, c.1890 Auction eagle measures approximately 95mm wingtip

eagle measures approximately 95mm wingtip to wingtip

overlaid by a central pebbled map of Hungary

that his religion was Roman Catholic

each of the star points with five faceted rays

Knight and Truscott

Italy, Two Sicilies. An Order of Francis I, II Class Knight in Gold, c.1890 Auction eagle measures approximately 95mm wingtip(Reale Ordine di Francesco I). Instituted by Francis I on September 28, 1829. In 18K Gold, a white enamelled Maltese cross with Fleur de lis in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presents the crowned monogram F. I, surrounded by a green enamel wreath and encircled in a blue ring inscribed DE REGE OPTIME MERITO (The King Deserves the Best), the reverse medallion presents the inscription FRANCISCVS I INSTITVIT MDCCCXXIX, surrounded by a green and red