Italy, Kingdom. An Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus, III Class Commander in Gold

(Commendatore dell'Ordine dei Santi Maurizio e Lazzaro). Instituted in 1434. In 18K Gold with green and white enamels, weighing 23.7 grams, unmarked, measuring 52.5 mm (w) x 83 mm (h), crazing evident in the white enamels at the junction of the arms on both sides, on its original lightly-soiled full-length neck ribbon, better than very fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, crowned cypher of King Umberto II in gold-coloured ink on the black-finished lid, forest green pebbled sides and bottom, inside lid in warm tan satin and exhibiting the impression of the badge, base with a raised platform incorporating a recessed medal bed in violet felt, measuring 87.5 mm (w) x 158 mm (h) x 36 mm (d), scuffing and wear evident on the exterior, one of the two metal hinges having come away from the base, case fine.

Footnote: The Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus is a Roman Catholic dynastic order of knighthood bestowed by the House of Savoy, founded in 1572 by Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, through amalgamation approved by Pope Gregory XIII of the Order of Saint Maurice, founded in 1434, with the medieval Order of Saint Lazarus, founded circa 1119, considered its sole legitimate successor. The Grand Master is Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples, since 1983. The order was formerly awarded by the Kingdom of Italy (1861-1946) with the heads of the House of Savoy as the Kings of Italy. 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. After the abolishment of the monarchy and the foundation of the Italian Republic in 1946, the legacy of the order is maintained by the pretenders of the House of Savoy and the Italian throne in exile.