Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/642

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE TWO SICILIES.
295

4. and 5. Members wearing the gold or silver medal (No. 13). The badge is a gold cross of four broad points, enamelled white, the angles being filled with gold lilies. In the centre, on a gold field, is the initial of the founder, F. I., surmounted by a crown, and surrounded with a laurel wreath, and on a second circle upon a blue ground is the motto: 'Optime merito de Rege' in gold characters, the whole being surmounted by a royal crown. It is worn by the Knights Grand Cross round the neck by a deep red ribbon with blue borders. The star, which is a silver cross of four points, presents the obverse of the badge, and is worn at the left breast.

The cross of the Commanders is a little smaller, and is worn round the neck.

That of the Knights is yet smaller, and is worn from the left button-hole.

The gold and silver medals are also worn from the buttonholes.