Italy, Kingdom. An Order of Saint Maurice and Lazarus Grand Officer Set in Gold, c. 1900

(Ordine dei Santi Maurizio e Lazzaro). Instituted in 1572. A Grand Officer Badge consisting of a white enameled Shamrock Cross with green enameled fans in each quadrant, Royal crown suspension in 18 karat Gold, inclusive of suspension 85.6 mm (h) x 53.3 mm (w), modern green ribbon, enamels intact, extremely fine. Accompanied by the Star of the order, constructed of a silver faceted star with four points, superimposed on a white enameled Shamrock Cross with green enameled fans in each quadrant, reverse pin, 78.8 mm, enamels intact, extremely fine condition. In its hardshell case, white satin interior lid, black velvet medal bed, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus was instituted on 16 September 1572. Medals are awarded by the House of Savoy. It is a combination of two orders: the Order of Saint Maurice was founded in 1434 and joined to the Order of St. Lazarus by Pope Gregory XIII. Originally a chivalric order of noble nature, it was restricted to subjects of noble families with proofs of at least eight noble great-grandparents. The order's military and noble nature was and is still combined with a Roman Catholic character.