Italy, Republic. An Order Of Merit Of The Italian Republic, Grand Cross, By Cravanzola, C.1960 Newly Listed Badge in bronze and enamels

Badge in bronze and enamels

the obverse with a central black enameled medallion bearing a gilt crowned cipher of King Ludwig III within a white enameled border in the form of a buckled belt with gilt letters reading “MERENTI” (Latin - Merit)

loop creating a button hole for uniform attachment

A 1939 Ostmark-Altreich-Sudetenland “May 1

he would later

Italy, Republic. An Order Of Merit Of The Italian Republic, Grand Cross, By Cravanzola, C.1960 Newly Listed Badge in bronze and enamels(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