(Ordine dei Santi Maurizio e Lazzaro). Established in 1572 by Pope Gregory XIII. A double-sided badge in 18k Gold, consisting of an enameled white four-armed cross with three trefoil-ended arms, quadrants displaying a ball-tipped finely enameled bright green Maltese cross also in 18k Gold, measuring 36.36 mm (w) x 38.60 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), weighting 7.8 grams, presenting general tarnished Gold for environmental factors and stained white enamel for wearing, worn on original full-length knight ribbon, good condition. Accompanied by its presentation case, constructed of a wood frame with a green velvet exterior, the obverse lid embossing the monogram of Victor Emmanuel III topped by a royal crown in gilt, the interior with a padded white satin lid liner, inscribed with a maker’s mark of “Dco. Cravanzola, Prov della R. Casa E R.R. ministeri Gorso Umberto I338 339 3340 Roma”, with white satin medal bed, featuring a removable black doeskin depressed and slotted medal bed, functional push-button, measuring 68.48 mm (w) x 23.28 mm (h) x 94.19 mm (l), case in extreme fine condition.
Footnote: The Order was founded when the Order of St. Maurice and the Order of St. Lazarus merged into this order of knighthood. It was founded by Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, and approved by Pope Gregory XIII in 1572. It was primarily awarded to foreign and Italian Catholics who had provided extraordinary military and civil services to the State.