Italy, Kingdom. An Order of the Roman Eagle, III Class Commander, Civil Division, c.1942

Type I (1942-1943). In silver gilt with red, white, blue and green enamels, type I as designed by the crowned eagle on the obverse centrepiece, unmarked, measuring 51.5 mm (w) x 55.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, loop suspension, intact enamels, very light contact, accompanied by an original full-length neck ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Fascist Civil and Military Order of the Roman Eagle founded in 1942 and was abolished in Italy in 1944, although it continued to be awarded by Benito Mussolini in the short-lived Italian Social Republic until 1945. It was awarded in five grades: I Class Knight Grand Cross, II Class Grand Officer, III Class Commander, IV Class Officer and V Class Knight, in Civil and Military Divisions. A self-styled order of the same name was founded by Romano Mussolini, fourth and youngest son of Benito Mussolini in 1997.