Workshop history https://asiamedals.info/threads/orders-made-by-lemaitre-paris.27814/.
Silver, gilt, enamel.
The Illustrious Royal Order of Saint Ferdinand and Merit /Reale ordine di San Ferdinando e del Merito/ is an order of knighthood of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It was established on April 1, 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. In 1810 the King reformed its Statutes. 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. There are also those Decorated with golden and silver medal.
The insignia of the order 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/Faith and Merit", bordered by six golden rays edged by six white enameled lilies. The Royal Crown tops it. On the reverse of the sash badge, in the middle of the round shield, there is the inscription "Ferd. IV. Inst: Anno 1800". The ribbon is blue and edged in dark red.
The insignia of the order 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/Faith and Merit", bordered by six golden rays edged by six white enameled lilies. The Royal Crown tops it. On the reverse of the sash badge, in the middle of the round shield, there is the inscription "Ferd. IV. Inst: Anno 1800". The ribbon is blue and edged in dark red.
Silver, gilt, enamel.