Italy, Kingdom. A Military Order of Savoy in Gold, Commander Cross, c. 1915

(Al merito militare). Instituted 14th August 1815. In gold, Pison cross in white enamel with laurel wreath in green enamel, obverse centre shows Savoy emblem with the inscription “Al merito militare”, reverse centre shows two crossed swords with the monogram V.E (Victor Emmanuel II) and the date 1855, adorned by a hollow Italian royal crown in Gold, inclusive of crown suspension 86.8 mm (h) x 53.8 mm (w), 19.7 grams, on striped neck ribbon, very fine condition.

Footnote: The Military Order of Savoy was a military honorary order of the Kingdom of Sardinia first, and of the Kingdom of Italy later. This order was to be granted to the soldiers who fought in the Italian army of Napoleon and became part of the Legion of Honor due to military merit. Following the abolition of the Italian monarchy, the order became the Military Order of Italy.