Italy, Kingdom. A Military Order of Italy, Officer Cross in Gold, c.1880 visually-hidden but the sword and scabbard

but the sword and scabbard on either side remain

nicely marked inside

the interior with a white felt medal bed

Second Empire Version (in 18K Gold with blue and green enamels

Minor discolouration is evident to the dust jackets of both books

Italy, Kingdom. A Military Order of Italy, Officer Cross in Gold, c.1880 visually-hidden but the sword and scabbardInstituted August 14, 1815. Type II (1855 1946). In 18K Gold, a white enamel cross with green enamel segments in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presenting a white enamel cross on red enamelled field, encircled by the inscription AL MERITO MILITARE, the reverse medallion featuring crossed swords and the date 1853 with royal initials VE, suspended by a trophy of arms suspension denoting officer class, measures 35. 79 mm (w) x 57. 68 mm (h