Order of Military Merit, Knight

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.ITA.0110.104.01.000

Estimated market value:

$1800 USD

  • Knight Obverse
  • Knight Obverse
  • Knight Reverse
  • Knight Reverse
  • Knight and Case of Issue Obverse

Estimated market value:

$1800 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Italy
  • Makers
    C.F. Rothe, Vienna
  • Composition
    Gold/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Obv: MERITO MILITARE LII Rev: 1853
  • Size
    42x62mm
  • Version Remarks
    Hallmarked by maker's mark and Austrian gold fineness hallmark.
  • Image Licensing
    https://www.emedals.com/europe/italy/italian-states/tuscany/an-1853-60-tuscan-order-of-military-merit-knight-s-badge

Physical Description and Item Details


In Gold and enamels, hallmarked on ring FR (Rothe, Wien), along with Gold hallmark, 42.4mm(w) x 61.35mm(h), of excellent quality manufacture, extremely fine condition.

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 by facto.

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 Knight features a silver-coloured surmounting crown, and it was awarded to lower ranking Officers and Privates.

The Knight is also known as the Knight III Class.

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