Vatican, City State. A Mentana Cross, Type I Archive encompassed by six seed pearls

encompassed by six seed pearls (two of which are missing)

and 8th Class: silver

inscribed "ΕΘΝΙΚΟΝ ΙΔΡΥΜΑ" (National Foundation) on the centrepiece

measuring 160 mm (w) x 235 mm (h)

among them Matthiessen

Vatican, City State. A Mentana Cross, Type I Archive encompassed by six seed pearls(Croce "Fidel et Virtuti" detta "di Mentana"). In silver nickel, type I (official type), unmarked, measuring 41. 7 mm (w) x 49. 3 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally pierced ball suspension, incorrect but period ribbon, very light contact, near extremely fine. Footnote: The Mentana Cross was instituted by Pope Pius IX in commemoration of the Battle of Mentana, and the other battles that were fought to protect Rome against Garibaldi. The Cross was