Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/406

Rh DECORATIONS OF HONOUR.

1. The Military Medal of Merit was founded by Pope Gregory XVI. in 1832, of gold for subaltern officers, and of silver for sub-officers. The front shows the effigy of the Pope, and the reverse, the inscription ' Bene Merenti.' It is appended to a tiara and keys, and suspended by a white and yellow ribbon. (Tab. III. No. 16). It is sometimes encompassed by a green enamelled laurel wreath. (Tab. III. No. 15).

2. A somewhat large medal, founded by Pope Pius VIL., and each time adorned with the effigy of the reigning Pope. It is rather profusely distributed in bronze amongst the soldiers, and in silver amongst the officers. (Tab. III. No. 13).

3. The same Pope founded also another medal (Tab. II. No. 11) in 1816, for the troops who had distinguished themselves in the Crusade against the robbers of the State. It is of gilt silver, white enamelled, and with the inscription ' Latronibus Fugatis Securitas Restituta' (Safety restored by the expulsion of robbers). It was also distributed in bronze amongst the subofficers and soldiers for lesser distinction and merit.

4. The Decoration of Honour ' Ordine del Moreto' presented each time to the President of the Academy of St. Luke, who may wear it even after his retirement. (Tab. III. No. 14).

THE ORDER OF PIUS

Was founded on the 17th June, 1847. It is divided into two classes, hereditary and personal nobility.

The decoration is an hexagonal blue star. The white enamelled obverse contains in the middle, in golden characters,