(Ordine militare di Savoia). Instituted 1815 by King Victor Emmanuel I. Italian Kingdom Period. Of high quality manufacture in Gold, featuring a white enameled Pison Cross, with detailed green and red enamel laurel and olive branches in each quadrant, obverse centre depicting a white enameled cross of Savoy, with inlaid Gold inscription AL MERITO MILITARE (To Military Merit) on a red enameled background, reverse featuring the restructure date of 1855 and two crossed swords with the initials V E (Victor Emmanuel), measures 39mm (w) x 43.3mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 10.3 grams (including ribbon), worn on original ribbon, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The Order was founded by King Victor Emmanuel I, and it was awarded to military personnel in recognition of acts of honour, bravery, and merit during times of war; it was rarely awarded to foreigners. This Order was conferred upon all military personnel of all ranks. The Knight may also be known as the Militant, and it was limited to 700 recipients.

