(Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana). Instituted March 3, 1951. Type I. 1951-2001 issue. A sash badge consisting of an enameled white four armed cross with ball finials in silver gilt, featuring detailed Italian eagles in each quadrant, centre exhibiting a superposed five pointed star also in silver gilt, suspending by large gilded Mural Crown with enamels details, double-sided design, measuring 70.92 mm (w) x 96.58 mm (h - inclusive crown suspension), with slightly tarnished silver, on a full-length original ribbon with bow, extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the star of the Order, a multiple-rayed eight-pointed star in silver, the obverse in silver gilt featuring an enameled white four armed cross with gilded border and ball finials, exhibiting detailed gilded eagles in each quadrant, with a central superposed five-pointed star also in silver gilt, the reverse with vertical pin assembly, marked by maker’s cartouche of Ditta Cravanzola e Gardino Succesori, Roma, measuring 82.45 mm (w) x 82.83 mm (h), presenting slightly toned silver, with bent tips on the 9, 11, and 12 o’clock arms for wearing, extremely fine. Accompanied by a breast star miniature in silver, suspended by original breast ribbon, together with an original ribbon bar with three attached Mural crowns on the obverse. Completed set in a hardshelled green case of issue, featuring a stamped golden Italian Republic coat of arms on the exterior lid, the interior lid on delicate white silk with a maker’s label of Cravanzola & Succ. Gardino, Roma, with slotted black wool bed medal, measuring 142 mm (w) x 56 mm (h) x 324 mm (l), with functional catch and clasp, presenting slightly wearing surfaces on the bottom, overall near to mint.
Footnote: The Order was founded by President Luigi Einaudi, the second President of the Italian Republic. It is the highest Order of Knighthood awarded within the Italian Republic. This Order is conferred upon Italians who have provided meritorious labour and achievements to the Republic. The Order replaced the Civil Order of Savoy, the Order of the Crown of Italy, the Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus, and the Order of the Most Holy Annunciation. In 2001, the Order grades were redesigned by President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. The new design was meant to evoke the Order of the Crown of Italy, and highlight the value of freedom, democracy, and Italian unity.