VATICAN. EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM, KNIGHT COMMANDER’S NECK BADGE, in silv

VATICAN. EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM, KNIGHT COMMANDER’S NECK BADGE, in silver-gilt and enamel, a red enamel cross potent with small enamelled plain crosses in the angles, with trophy of arms suspension, 3.5 inches ((9cm) high approx, including suspension. Red cross on trophy of arms suspension is a modern replacement, hairline crack to enamel on upper arm of cross potent, otherwise Good Very Fine or better and a rare early example of this award.This rare early example of this award dates from the papacy of Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903) and was originally awarded circa 1885. It is ready for wear with a new watered silk collar.The Order of the Holy Sepulchre was founded by Godefroy de Bouillon, leader of the First Crusade, who captured Jerusalem from the Saracens in 1099. Godefroy established the order in that year to commemorate his great victory, founding an order of knights dedicated to the protection of holy places and pilgrims. By the 19th century it was one of only two religious orders of knighthood recognised by the Holy See (the other being the Sovereign Holy Order of Malta), and was awarded for services to the Holy See, and to individuals who engaged in important charitable work. The Order of the Holy Sepulchre was reorganised in 1868 by Pius IX. What had originally been an order with only one class, Knight, was expanded to three classes, Knight Grand Cross, Knight Commander and Knight.