Italy, Kingdom. A Military Order of Savoy in Gold, Knight, c.1900

Instituted 1815. Type II (1855+). In gold with red, white and green enamels, weighing 9.5 grams, measuring 38.5 (w) x 38.7 mm (h), original ribbon, intact enamels, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Military Order of Savoy was the highest and most prestigious Italian military order, awarded for exceptional conduct in war. It was founded on August 14, 1815 and renewed by Royal Decree on September 27, 1855 and March 28, 1857. After the abolition of the Italian monarchy in 1947, the Order became the Military Order of Italy and the insignia were changed to reflect the fact that Italy had become a republic.