Italy, Fascist State. An Order of the Roman Eagle, Grand Cross, by E Gardino, c. 1942

Instituted 1942 by Victor Emanuel III. Military Division. Type I (1942-1943 Issue). The Grand Cross badge presenting a silver gilt cross patee with white enamel arms, sections of green enamelled laurel wreath in each quadrant, crossed swords with eagle head hilts pierce the central medallion, which presents a crowned eagle with a red and white enamelled shield of Savoy in it’s center on a blue enamelled field, the reverse presents three fasces on a blue enamel field, measures 52.12mm (w) x 55.10mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 27.6 grams, crazing to blue enamel on both obverse and reverse, otherwise enamels intact, gilt wear on swords, in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by the Star of the Order, an eight point silver star with clusters of five faceted rays, the obverse center presents a silver gilt cross patee with white enamel arms, sections of green enamelled laurel wreath in each quadrant, crossed swords with eagle head hilts pierce the central medallion, which presents a crowned eagle with a red and white enamelled shield of Savoy in it’s center on a blue enamelled field, reverse presents a single pin assembly with cartouche denoting the maker E GARDINO SUCC. CRAVANZOLA ROMA, measures 84.44mm (w) x 84.09mm (h), weighs 69.8 grams, centerpiece displays chips and wear to blue enamel, white and green enamel intact, centerpiece slightly loose, overall near extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the full-length sash of the order in purple and white watered silk, measures 795mm (l – folded in half), 102mm (w), with bow, heavily faded on bottom third of ribbon and bow, hook slightly misaligned, very fine condition.

Footnote: This short-lived Order was founded by Victor Emanuel III, and it was awarded to citizens of "friendly" foreign nations in recognition of extraordinary civil and military merit. The Order was officially awarded from 1942-1944, but it was discontinued by Umberto II on October 5, 1944. It continued to be awarded unofficially by Benito Mussolini from 1944-1945, during the Italian Social Republic.