Order of Saint Ferdinand and of Merit

The Illustrious Royal Order of Saint Ferdinand and Merit is an order of knighthood of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Order of Saint Ferdinand and of Merit
Star and Badge of the Order
Awarded by the Kingdom of Two Sicilies
TypeDynastic order of knighthood
Established1 April 1800
Awarded forImportant deeds and with proof of loyalty to the Head of the Royal House and to the Royal Family
Precedence
Next (higher)Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George
Next (lower)Royal Order of the Two-Sicilies

Ribbon of the Order
For the Spanish military decoration, see Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand.

It was established on 1 April 1800 by Ferdinand IV of Naples and III Sicily to reward men who performed important deeds and gave proof of loyalty to the Head of the Royal House and to the Royal Family.

Ranks and Insignia

The Order is divided into three Ranks:

  • Knights of Grand Cross, with fess, cross and plate;
  • Knights Commanders, with neck ribbon and cross;
  • Knights, with ribbon and cross to the buttons.
Knight
Commander
Knight Grand Cross

The decoration is formed by a golden round shield bearing the image of St. Ferdinand, edged by a blue-enameled round plate with the inscription "FIDEI ET MERITO", bordered by six golden rays edged by six white enameled lilies. The ribbon is blue and edged in dark red.

See also
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