Large, Mantle Star of the Order, 170x145 mm, with six long, bright-silver wire rays enriched by sequins, alternated by six fleurs-de-lys of embossed sheet-silver bordered with silver, twisted wire, tiny loops to fasten the star to the habit, centre medallion in gold with image of the saint placed on a beaming, chiselled background and pearled border, blue enameled outer circlet with the Order’s motto “FIDEI ET MERITO” in applied, lettering of chiselled gold and a laurel wreath, the whole within a broader medallion in the finest, thick embroidery of gold wire of different types.
An outstanding and perhaps unique star in the best quality, around 1815, and almost perfect condition. I RR!
Provenance: Maréchal de Camp Charles comte del Mesnard (1769–1842); the award is noted in the Almanach Royal of 1830.