Italy, Kingdom. An Order Of St. Maurice And St. Lazarus, Iii Class Commander In Gold, C.1900

(Ordine dei Santi Maurizio e Lazzaro). Instituted in 1434. In 18K Gold with green and white enamels, weighing 25.5 grams, unmarked, measuring 53.8 mm (w) x 87 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, both sides exhibiting fine chips and crazing evident in the white enamels at the junction on the cross, on its original neck ribbon, better than very fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, exterior in green felt, crowned cypher of King Victor Emmanuel III on the lid, inside lid lined in white satin, padded and maker marked "Dco CRAVANZOLA PROV. DELLA R. CASA E R.R. MINISTERI CORSO. UMBERTO I 338.339.540 ROMA", a white cardboard insert placed within the white satin lined base and housing a black felt recessed medal bed, push release catch, single-hinged, measuring 80 mm (w) x 150 mm (h) x 27.5 mm (h), wear and mothing evident in the green felt exposing the underlying wooden framework on the exterior, soiling present on the bottom, 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. It was awarded in five grades: I Class Knight Grand Cross, II Class Grand Officer, II Class Commander, IV Class Officer and V Class Knight. The award was discontinued in 1946 by the Republic (but continues to be awarded privately as a dynastic order of the House of Savoy).