Italy, Republic/ International. A Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order Of Saint John Of Acre And Saint Thomas, Grand Cross Set by Alberti & Co., in Case

(Sovrano Militare Ordine Ospedaliero di San Giovanni d'Acri e San Tommaso). The badge presenting multi-piece construction, badge in bronze gilt with red, light blue and navy blue enamels, the trophy-of-arms in bronze gilt with red and white enamels, unmarked, obverse centrepiece illustrating Saint John of Acre and Saint Thomas, surrounded by the inscription "MIL. AC HOSP. ORDO S. JOHAN ACCON. ET S. THOMAE" (Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Acre and Saint Thomas), reverse centrepiece inscribed "A.F. / MCCV" (founded 1205) in the centre and surrounded by the inscription "PRO FIDE VIRTUTE AC PIETATE" (for Faith Virtue and Piety), measuring 51.70 mm (w) x 103.3 mm (h - inclusive of the suspension), enamels intact, showing oxidation and wear to the medallion and scattered gilt wear, worn on original full length sash, remains in very fine condition. 

Accompanied by the Star of the Order, an eight point star with clusters of alternating smooth and faceted rays with ball finials on each ray, matching insignia on the obverse depicts a badge in bronze gilt with red, light blue and navy blue enamels, obverse centrepiece illustrating Saint John of Acre and Saint Thomas, surrounded by the inscription "MIL. AC HOSP. ORDO S. JOHAN ACCON. ET S. THOMAE" (Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Acre and Saint Thomas), the reverse presents a vertical pin, the maker cartouche of ALBERT & Co MILANO in the center, the star measures 76.90 mm (w) x 76.80 mm (h), enamels intact, lovely gilt wear, in extremely fine condition. 

Also included is a miniature of the star in bronze and enamels, measures 16.5 mm (w) x 18.2 mm (h - inclusive of suspension), worn on original ribbon. 

The set is contained in its original case of issue, a red leatherette exterior, interior silk lid marked ALBERTI & C. MILANO, with a creme coloured partial medal bed and storage compartment for the sash, only one clasp functional, heavy wear to the exterior including ribbon to the leatherette around the edges, a case in fine condition. 

Footnote: The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Acre and Saint Thomas is among those that existed in the late Middle Ages at the time of the Crusades but then died out. It was resurrected in the 1960's or 1970's in Italy, probably by the self-styled Prince Pierre Amoroso of Aragon who was imprisoned for fraud late in life.