Italy, Kingdom. An Order Of St. Maurice And St. Lazarus, Grand Cross In Gold, C.1900

(Ordine dei Santi Maurizio e Lazzaro). Established in 1572 by Pope Gregory XIII. In 18Kt Gold, a Grand Cross decoration of the highest quality, presenting a white enamelled shamrock cross with a rich green enamelled Maltese cross in each quadrant with ball finials and highly detailed hand etched borders, reverse mirrors the obverse, surmounted by an Italian royal crown in Gold, the base of the 6 o’clock arm presents a small cross pattee in a diamond shape, measures 66mm (w) x 105mm (h – inclusive of cross adorned horizontally pierced ball atop crown suspension), weighs 136.8 grams (including ribbon), worn on a replacement green sash, a truly stunning decoration, enamels fully intact, in mint condition.

Footnote: The merged Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus was founded by Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savory, and approved by Pope Gregory XIII in 1572. The new, combined honour was primarily awarded to foreign and Italian Catholics who had provided extraordinary military and civil services to the State.