Military Order of Saint Stephen, Type I, Knight

SKU: 01.ITA.0108.101.01

Estimated market value:

$ Click to See Price/Value

  •  Knight (with crown)

Attributes

  • country
    Italy
  • date of institution
    March 15, 1561
  • remarks
    This badge is a jewel of great importance and rarity. The finest pieces show superb workmanship. They are found in private collections and museums.

History


The Military Order Of Saint Stephen was originally founded by Cosimo I de'Medici, First Grand Duke of Tuscany, in commemoration of his victory over the French in August 1554. It was officially confirmed by Pope Pius IV in 1561.

The purpose of the Order was to protect the Catholic Church by fighting the Ottoman Turks and Mediterranean pirates.

Membership eligibility was restricted to individuals capable of tracing their noble lineage back 4 generations on both sides of their family. They must also be practitioners of the Catholic faith, and be a minimum of 18 years old.

This Order was amended by Grand Duke Ferdinand III on December 22, 1817, wherein he added grades to the Order.

The Order was definitively suppressed in 1859 when the Duchy of Tuscany was annexed into the Kingdom of Sardinia.

It is also known as the Holy Military Order of St. Stephen, Pope and Martyr.

There is a great deal of variation in the design, composition, and size of the Order awards, and some examples may feature brilliants.

The Type I awards are based on the Order of St. John, and the Knight grade may be awarded in three degrees, the Soldier Knights, the Priest/Chaplain Knights, and Serving Knights.

Each group of Knights have a specific role in the Order. 

FOR SALE / WANTED

Item For Sale By

Be the first to sell this item

Wanted By

Be the first to request this item

Versions

  • Price

    N/A

  • Composition

    Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

  • Size

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    N/A

  • Composition

    Gold/Silver-gilt/Mother of Pearl/Brilliant

  • Inscription

  • Size

    61x71mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    N/A

  • Composition

    Gold/Mother of Pearl/Brilliant

  • Inscription

  • Size

    80-90mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    N/A

  • Composition

    Copper gilt/Rock Crystal

  • Inscription

  • Size

    87mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    Rare and very early piece showing superb workmanship in the late 17th century.

  • View Item

Comments

Sign in to comment and reply.

Scroll Top