Italy, Republic. An Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Grand Cross Set c. 1950
Instituted March 3, 1951. A Grand Cross badge in silver gilt featuring a white enamel cross with ball finials and an eagle in each quadrant, a central five point star sits atop the cross, the reverse mirrors the obverse, the badge is surmounted by a large crown depicting turrets, marked 800 and 58 MI denoting Milano manufacture between 1944-1968, measures 70.6mm (w) x 101.9mm (h – inclusive of integral ring atop crown suspension), weighs 56.7 grams, light scratches to enamels, remains in near extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the Star of the order, in silver, an eight point star of alternating clusters of smooth and faceted rays, the obverse feature a superimposed white enamel cross with ball finials and eagle in each quadrant, a silver star sits in the middle of the cross, the reverse with a single vertical pin, unmarked, measures 90mm (w) x 90.1mm (h), weighs 80.7 grams, light wear to cross, in extremely fine condition.

