Italy, Republic. An Order Of Merit Of The Italian Republic, Grand Cross Set Province of China inscribed in handwritten black ink

inscribed in handwritten black ink with the initials "SEF" on the underside of the front panel and "483" on the underside of the back panel

The first type of this medal was introduced in 1913 during The Balkan Wars

(Bundeswehr Gürtelschnalle)

the matte silver wash retains nearly 100% of original finish

Italy, Republic. An Order Of Merit Of The Italian Republic, Grand Cross Set Province of China inscribed in handwritten black ink(Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana). Instituted in 1951. A fantastic Grand Cross Set comprising a Grand Cross sash badge, in silver gilt, featuring a white enamel cross with a gilt five point star in the center of the cross and a ball finial at each end of each arm, with eagles in each quadrant, reverse mirrors the obverse, the cross is surmounted by a large crown of the republic, measures 70. 45mm (w) x 94. 60mm (h inclusive of crown