POST WW2 ITALIAN REPUBLIC ORDER OF MERIT CASED MEDAL SET KNIGHT GRADE PACCHIOTTI

Offered is an original Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, knight grade, in case of issue.
60mm high gilt-edged white enamel Greek cross with gilt ball-tipped finials, an eagle with outstretched wings between each arm, on elaborate suspension in the form of a castellated wall with three towers, green, white and red ‘jewels’ at the base; the face with a five-pointed gilt star imposed centrally; the reverse identical; on original ribbon, with exact miniature medal & civilian buttonier rosette; in original fitted embossed case of issue by M. Pacchiolli of Turin.
The Order was founded on 3 March 1951 to be awarded to those who render notable service to the Italian Republic and is open equally to Italian and non-Italian citizens. A very good older example.