Italy – Order of Saint Maurice and Saint Lazarus (knight)

Description

The Order was established on 27 December 1816 by King Vittorio Emanuele of Sardinia, though its antecedents went back to the Middle Ages. It came to be awarded for outstanding service to Italy and was open equally to Italian and non-Italian citizens but was usually awarded only to Catholics.

Silver-gilt white enamel cross bottony of Saint Maurice imposed on the green enamel Maltese cross decussate of Saint Lazarus with loop for ribbon suspension. Both face and reverse plain. Enamel cracks on both sides and a small chip missing.