Vatican, Papal States. An Order of Christ, Breast Star, c.1850 United Republic of commander of the ZR-3 USS

commander of the ZR-3 USS Los Angeles (ex-LZ 126)

gilted brass crossguard and pommel are both intact and show age tarnish

surrounded by the inscription "MARITIME JUSTICE AND BRITISH VALOR

He was accepted into service on September 1

affixed by two solder points

Vatican, Papal States. An Order of Christ, Breast Star, c.1850 United Republic of commander of the ZR-3 USSInstituted March 14, 1319 by Pope John XXII. A rare and beautiful star, comprising a silver eight point star with clusters of smooth rays, the central medallion in Gold featuring a red and white enamelled Latin cross encircled by a Gold wreath, the reverse offers a dual prong vertical suspension, with six rivets on the base to affix the cross and wreath, the star measures 75. 1 mm (w) x 74. 1 mm (h), weighs 45. 29 grams, enamels intact, light patina