Italy, Republic. An Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Grand Gross Set by Cravanzola, c. 1960 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac emboss stamped with the eagle

emboss stamped with the eagle and "Meine Ehre heisst Treue" (Loyalty is My Honour) SS insignia below

and still had their respect

with some discolouration of the image and scratching of the frame evident

Footnote: This particular example was featured as an exemplar of the award on page 110 of Karsten Klingbeil’s “Orden: 1700-2000”

Constructed of a black wool base

Italy, Republic. An Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Grand Gross Set by Cravanzola, c. 1960 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac emboss stamped with the eagleInstituted March 3, 1951. Type I (1951 2001). In Silver, the Grand Cross presenting a white enamel cross with eagles in each quadrant and a central five point star, the reverse mirrors the obverse, surmounted by a large crown, measures 70. 2 mm (w) x 96. 3 mm (h), marked 800 for silver fineness on ring, worn on original full length sash, enamels intact, light gilt wear, in extremely fine condition. The Star of the Order, featuring an eight point