Italy, Kingdom. An Order of Saint Maurice and Lazzaro Grand Cross Set, c. 1916

Instituted in 1572. A Grand Cross Badge consisting of a white enameled Shamrock Cross with green enameled fans in each quadrant, inclusive of hollow Royal crown 105 mm (h) x 65.9mm (w), worn on a green sash, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the star of the order, constructed of a silver faceted star with eight points, superimposed by a white enameled Shamrock Cross with green enameled fans in each quadrant, reverse pin, measures 84.3mm, enamels intact, gilt wear on obverse, very fine condition. Included in this Grand Cross set is a miniature of the sash badge, 27 mm (h) x 19 mm (w), in very fine condition. 

Footnote: The Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus was instituted on 16 September 1572. Medals are awarded by the House of Savoy. It is a combination of two orders: the Order of Saint Maurice was founded in 1434 and joined to the Order of St. Lazarus by Pope Gregory XIII. Originally a chivalric order of noble nature, it was restricted to subjects of noble families with proofs of at least eight noble great-grandparents. The order's military and noble nature was and is still combined with a Roman Catholic character.