History

The Order of the Redeemer was established in 1608 by Vincent IV Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua. It was founded in honor of his son's marriage to Princess Marguerite of Savoy.

The Knights of the Order were charged with defending the dignity of the Pope and Catholicism. They were also meant to protect the honor of Ladies, widows, and orphans.

It was discontinued in 1708, following the death of Ferinando Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua.

After a failed attempt to revive the Order in 1847, the Order was awarded as a Dynastic Order of the House of Gonzaga-Vescovato. By then, the Order was composed of the Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight classes.

The Order is known with two different designs. The first design showed the device of the melting pot surrounded by flames where some golden bars were being melted. The second design, and the most known, showed two angels holding a reliquary with three drops of Christ's blood in it.

The Order is also known as the Order of the Blood of Jesus Christ, and the Order of Redemption.

The Breast Stars are distinguished by their size.