(Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana). Instituted March 3, 1951. Type I. 1951-2001 issue. Likely Cravanzola manufacture, a set of the Grand Officer consisting of a ball-tipped enameled white four armed cross in silver gilt, featuring detailed silver-gilt Italian eagles in each quadrant, the centre exhibiting a superposed five pointed star in gilt, suspending by a partially enameled large Mural Crown also in silver gilt, presenting double-sided design, measuring 55.62 mm (w) x 71.83 mm (h - inclusive crown suspension), with strongly tarnished silver, on a full-length original neck ribbon, extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the star of the Order, a multiple-rayed eight-pointed star in silver, the obverse featuring an enameled white four armed cross with ball finials in silver gilt, with detailed gilded eagles in each quadrant, exhibiting a central superposed gilded five-pointed star, the reverse with principal vertical pin assembly, measuring 68.56 mm (w) x 70.44 mm (h), presenting slightly toned silver on the star tips, light contact for wearing, extremely fine. Accompanied by a breast star miniature in silver, measuring 15.98 mm (w) x 16.70 mm (h), suspended by original breast ribbon, with tarnished silver, very fine condition. Completed set in a hard-shelled 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 slotted white wool bed medal, measuring 128 mm (w) x 39 mm (h) x 247 mm (l), functional catch and clasp, presenting slightly wearing surfaces, overall set in extremely fine condition.
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.