Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/641

294. 2. Commanders (decoration No. 8).

3. Cavalieri di dritto (decoration No. 8).

4. Cavalieri di Grazia (decoration No. 9).

5. Gold medal (No. 14), and,

6. Silver medal.

The decoration, together with the ribbon, decreases in size with each lower degree. It is worn by the first two classes round the neck, and by the Knights, at the button-hole.

The decoration of the first three classes is considered as a distinction of valour, and is conferred upon officers and generals for some exploit in war, in the same way as the gold medal is bestowed upon sub-officers and privates.

The degree of a Cavaliere di Grazia and the silver medal are rewards of merit for brave conduct in war, or for forty years service, during which at least two campaigns must have been shared in by the candidates. Sub-officers and privates are only entitled to the silver medal.

ORDER OF FRANCIS I.

Was founded on the 28th September, 1829, by King Francis I., as reward for civil merit in public offices, the arts, sciences, agriculture, industry, and commerce. Nor are military persons precluded from receiving the decoration on the above claims.

The monarch is chief and Grand Master, which is divided into five classes.

1. Knights of the Grand Cross (Plate 86, No. 12, and the cross No. 11, embroidered upon the coat).

2. and 3. Commanders and Knights, wearing the same cross, but smaller in size, and the Knights without the cross as a star.