Italy, Kingdom. A Military Order Of Savoy, I Class Grand Cross Case, C.1940

(Ordine Militare di Savoia). Instituted in 1815. Hardshelled design on both the lid and base, wooden frame with a textured royal blue cloth exterior, black lacquered paper on the bottom, twin gold-coloured rule trim along the perimeter edges on the convex lid, embossed with the crowned cypher of King Victor Emmanuel III (Reign: July 29, 1900 - May 9, 1946) in gold-coloured ink in the centre of the lid, inside lid lined in white satin, padded and maker marked "L RAVIOLO E. GARDINO SUCCESSORI Dco CRAVANZOLA PROV. DELLA R. CASA E R.R. MINISTERI CORSO UMBERTO I 338 . 339 . 540 ROMA", the lining exhibiting the impression of the once present Breast Star of the Order, two white cotton straps supporting the lid when opened, a white cardboard insert placed within the white satin-lined base and housing a raised platform in navy blue felt with a recessed medal bed and slotted medal bed for the Badge and Breast Star respectively, with a partially raised blue divider between the beds, dual-hinged, missing its latch closure but all three posts for the latch remain intact, measuring 132 mm (w) x 306 mm (h) x 64 mm (d), light soiling and wear evident on the exterior, the royal blue cloth covering peeling away at the side versus the lid on three sides, which exposes the underlying wooden frame, some of the gold-coloured rule exhibiting wear, scuffing on the bottom, light soiling present on the white satin in the base and on the underside of the raised platform, very fine.

Footnote: The Military Order of Savoy was the highest and most prestigious Italian military order, awarded for exceptional conduct in war. It was founded on August 14, 1815 and renewed by Royal Decree on September 27, 1855 and March 28, 1857. It was awarded in five grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. Upon the abolition of the Italian monarchy in 1947, the Order became the Military Order of Italy and the insignia were changed to reflect the fact that Italy had become a republic.