Order of Military Merit, Grand Cross Breast Star

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.ITA.0110.102.01.000

Estimated market value:

$2900 USD

  • Order of Military Merit, Grand Cross Breast Star Obverse
  • Order of Military Merit, Grand Cross Breast Star
  • Order of Military Merit, Grand Cross Breast Star Makers Detail

Estimated market value:

$2900 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Italy
  • Makers
    C.F. Rothe, Vienna
  • Composition
    Silver
  • Inscription
    Obv: MERITO MILITARE LII 1853
  • Size
    79x82mm
  • Image Licensing
    https://www.emedals.com/europe/italy/italian-states/tuscany/italian-states-tuscany-a-military-merit-order-grand-cross-star-c-1880

Physical Description and Item Details


Of extremely high quality in finely toned silver with five scaled arms with ball finials, centre plate with with hand etched ball surround, MERITO MILITARE 1853, denoting Military Division and Institution Date, with Initials of Leopoldo II, reverse with pin assembly, maker marked with C.F.Rothe, Wien, as well as Austrian silver hallmark AA, measuring 82.5 mm (h) x 79 mm (h), extremely fine overall and rare.

History


The Tuscan Order of Military Merit was founded by Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, on December 19, 1853. It was awarded to foreigners and Tuscan citizens in recognition of extraordinary military service to the Duchy of Tuscany and its Duke.

The Order was originally established with three classes: I Class Knight, II Class Knight, and III Class Knight. The two first Classes were made of gold, while the third Class was made of silver.

Ferdinand IV, the last Grand Duke of Tuscany, amended the Order Statutes in 1861, expanding the Order to include five grades (Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight), and creating the Civil Merit division. He amended the Order a second time in 1862, adding the Medal of Merit in Gold, Silver, and Bronze grades. These new grades were reserved for Gentlemen and Officers.

This Order was officially abolished in 1860 when Tuscany was annexed into the Kingdom of Sardinia.

The Grand Duke of Tuscany was the Grand Master of the Order.

Upon the death of the recipient, the decoration was returned to the Secretary of the Order.

The Grand Cross Breast Star was generally restricted to Officers. If the Grand Cross was conferred upon a civilian they were bestowed with hereditary nobility.

The Grand Cross Breast Star is also known as the Knight I Class Breast Star.

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