2-673-193 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Order of St. Ferdinand and of Merit'. The Illustrious Royal Order of Saint Ferdinand and Merit was founded in 1800 by Ferdinand IV (1751-1825), King of the Two Sicilies. The badge of the order is formed by a golden round shield featuring the image of St. Ferdinand, bordered by a blue-enameled round plate with the inscription FIDEI ET MERITO. On the reverse of the medallion is the name of the King and the year the order was established. The ribbon is blue and edged in dark red.