A beautiful and authentic Order of Merit of the Italian Republic here, Type 1 (1951-2001.) This is the Commander's grade of the order, 3rd class, worn around the neck. It comes complete with a matching rosette and it's original award box. Box is clearly maker marked for Arturo Pozzi, Rome. This award has some patina but no other signs of age are present. Details are sharp, displays beautifully.
The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic is the most senior Italian order of merit. It was established in 1951 by the second President of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi.
The highest-ranking honour of the Republic, it is awarded for "merit acquired by the nation" in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers. The post-nominal letters for the order are OMRI.
The order effectively replaced national orders such as the Civil Order of Savoy (1831), the Order of the Crown of Italy (1868), the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (1572) and the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation (1362).
