Italian States, Grand Duchy of Tuscany. An Order of Military Merit, Commander by Rothe in Gold, c. 1910

(Ordine Militare d'Italia). Instituted on December 19, 1853 by Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany. A suberb 14kt Gold badge of Austrian manufacture, consisting of a white enamelled five arm cross with segments of a delicately crafted oak leaf wreath in each quadrant joined by a ribbon at 6 o’clock, the obverse center medallion presents a white enamel field with LII (Leopold II), surrounded in a blue enamel surround inscribed MERITO MILITARE (Military Merit), the reverse medallion presents a white enamel field inscribed 1853 in a blue enamel surround featuring a Gold wreath, surmounted by a royal crown with a cross adorned horizontally pierced ball, suspended from a round suspension ring connected to a double barrelled oval ring with pebbled edges, measures 53.14mm (w) x 81.69mm (h – inclusive of cross adorned integral ball), weighs 31.7 grams (excluding ribbon), partially hallmarked on the suspension ring with a Vienna 1872-1922 gold quality of 580/1000 mark, along with a makers mark F.R denoting manufacture by Rothe, worn on a correct replacement neck ribbon, all enamels intact, small scratches to white enamel arms on obverse, otherwise better than extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order was founded by Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and awarded to foreigners and Tuscan citizen in recognition of extraordinary military service to the state of Tuscany. This Order was officially abolished in 1860 when Tuscany was annexed into the Kingdom of Sardinia. It continued to be awarded unofficially by Ferdinand IV, the previous Grand Duke of Tuscany. He amended the Order Statutes in 1861, expanding the Order to include five grades, and changing the name to the Order of Civil and Military Merit. He amended the Order a second time in 1862, adding the Medal of Merit in a Gold, Silver, and Bronze grade. These new grades were reserved for Gentlemen and Officers.