Italy, Republic. A Military Order Of Italy, V Class Knight, C.1960

(Ordine Militare d'Italia). Revived upon the foundation of the Republic in 1946. Three-piece construction, in bronze gilt with red, white and green enamels, measuring 36.5 mm (w) x 39.3 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, minor repair and fine chipping evident in the green enamels on the obverse, otherwise the enamels are intact, original ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Military Order of Italy is the highest military order of the Italian Republic and the former Kingdom of Italy. It was founded as the Military Order of Savoy, a national order by the King of Sardinia, Vittorio Emanuele I, Duke of Savoy in 1815. The order is awarded in five degrees for distinguished wartime conduct of units of the armed forces or individual personnel that have "proven expertise, a sense of responsibility and valour." The order was continued on the unification of Italy in 1861 and was revived, under its new name, following the foundation of the Republic in 1946. It is bestowed by decree of the President of the Italian Republic, head of the order, on the recommendation of the Minister of Defence, in five classes: I Class Knight Grand Cross, II Class Grand Officer, III Class Commander, IV Class Officer and V Class Knight. The lowest of these may also be awarded for peacetime actions.