Vatican, International. A Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Mary of Bethlehem, Commander, c.1940 certificate_of_authenticity later holding a variety of

later holding a variety of commands with minesweepers and other Reichsmarine surface vessels throughout the 1920s and 1930s

constructed of silvered bronze with a red felt centerpiece

97 mm x 116 mm at the base x 215 mm in height

the reverse bearing a central black enamelled disc overlaid by a silver lion rampant

the distinctive tail presents a cluster of feathers under the centre medallion and seven flared feathers identified by thin gold lines

Vatican, International. A Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Mary of Bethlehem, Commander, c.1940 certificate_of_authenticity later holding a variety of(Ordine Militare ed Ospedaliero di Santa Maria di Betlemme). Instituted in 1459. Badge with a three piece construction, in bronze gilt with blue enamels, the obverse centrepiece with a lighter shade of blue enamels, the badge suspended from trophy of arms with a two piece construction in fire gilt bronze with blue and white enamels, measuring 58 mm (w) x 112 mm (h) inclusive of its trophy of arms suspension, intact enamels, extremely fine. Footnote: