Italy, Republic. Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Grand Officer’s Set by S,Johnson C. 1960

Institution Date: March 3, 1951. Grand Cross Badge in silver gilt with white enamels, with crown suspension in silver gilt with red, green, white and black enamels, measuring 55 mm (w) x 72 mm (h- inclusive of its crown suspension), on period ribbon, in better than very fine condition; and Breast Star: multi-piece construction, silver gilt with white enameled insignia, mounted to an eight-pointed silver star base, hallmarked on pin loop, measuring 73 mm (w) x 74 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, in near extremely fine condtion. In an alternate maker's hard shelled case of issue, Republic of Italy coat-of-arms on the lid, maker marked "S. Johnson MILANO ROMA" on the inside lid, lightly soiled raised platform with recessed medal bed for the Badge and slotted for the Breast Star, scuffing evident on the exterior, case very fine.