Italy, Kingdom. A Military Order of Savoy, V Class Cavalier, c.1917

(Ordine Militare di Savoia). Instituted August 14, 1815. Type II. (c. 1900 issue). A fine first war period award, constructed of silver and multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Savoy Cross with a green enameled laurel and oak wreath in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a central red enameled medallion bearing a white enameled Greek Cross, surrounded by a broad red enameled ring inscribed with “Al Merito Militari” in gilt capitalized lettering, the reverse with a similar red enameled medallion inscribed “VE”, and dated “1855” with a crossed swords motif, suspended from a swivel ring from its faded period-original ribbon (with glue remains from previous collector’s mounting), unmarked, measuring 41.4 mm (w) x 45.3 mm (l), weighing 9.20 grams. 

Accompanied by a mismatched presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden core, with a dark green faux leather exterior, the exterior of the lid embossed with the crowned Royal Cypher of Victor Emmanuel in gilt, the interior of the lid with a padded silk liner, with a functional exterior metal hinge, intact interior fabric hinge cover, and functional push-button closure, measuring 75 mm (w) x 122 mm (l). 

A fine example of this award, in very fine condition. 

Footnote: The origin of the Military Order of Savoy was instituted in 1815 and revised on September 28, 1855. It can be traced back to the first honourary degrees granted by Victor Amadeus III of the Kingdom of Sardinia to its soldiers. Later these degrees went into disuse because of the Napoleonic regime in Italy and especially in Piedmont. On April 1, 1815, these honourary degrees were used again by Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia and later abolished on August 14th of the same year. Later again, all of these honourary degrees become one, the Military Order of Savoy. This military order was to be granted to soldiers who fought in the Italian army of Napoleon and became part of the Legion of Honour (or either obtained the honourary degree of Order of the Iron Crown) due to military merit. This honourary degree was conceded to everyone, no matter what religion or rank the soldier was. The Order was also created to reward all other kinds of military merit, from the simple soldier, up to the highest-ranked officer, that performed a special military feat during battle. Following the foundation of the Italian Republic, the order was renamed the Military Order of Italy in 1947 and continues to be awarded under that title today. The Order was once split into four grades of merit: Knight Grand Cross, Commander, Knight and Militant (soldier). Upon the entry of this new Order in the honourary degree system of the Kingdom of Italy in 1855, these four different grades were then modified into five: Knight Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, Militant or Knight. For the latter degree, use of the term Knight (Cavaliere) was more frequent than that of Militant (Milite), although that term was never officially abolished. Following the abolition of the Italian monarchy, the Order of Savoy was discontinued on January 2, 1947, becoming the Military Order of Italy.