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Stella al Merito Del Lavoro 1º tipo
Star for Merit of Work
Awarded to lower contractors and workmen who became Masters of Work. |
Stella al Merito Del Lavoro 2º tipo
Star for Merit of Work
Awarded to lower contractors and workmen who became Masters of Work.
Reverse stating "Merito del Lavoro All 'Estero (2 versions), instituted 4 September 1927, was for Italian residents in foreign countries.
Reverse stating "Alla Memoria" denotes 1965 Italian Republic version. |
K.Johnston © antiquesandmilitaria.com
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K.Johnston © antiquesandmilitaria.com |
Order of the Roman Eagle
This civil and military order was awarded to foreigners for meritorious services to Italy, in five classes and
two medals. It was instituted on 14 March 1942. Exact numbers of awards are unknown. Majority was made to
Germans, some to Japanese, Albanians, and French.
Pictured is Commander's Class with Swords.
More information on grades:
- Grand Cross, wearing the sash badge of 50mm in diameter and an 8 point breast star of 80mm. Following in the manner
of the German Eagle Order, the Grand Cross class was expanded to Gold Grand Cross (badge & star in gilt) and
Silver Grand Cross (badge & star in silver). This expansion occurred August 24th, 1942.
- Grand Officer, wearing gilt neck badge of 50mm and 4 pointed silver breast star of 65mm.
- Commander, wearing gilt neck badge of 50mm.
- Officer, wearing gilt breast badge of 35mm on ribbon with rosette.
- Knight, wearing gilt breast badge of 35mm on ribbon.
- Medal of Merit in 2 grades (silver & bronze, 32mm), established August 24th, 1942.
2 types:
- 1942-1944 Fascist type.
- 1944-1945 RSI (Social Italian Republic) type. Eagle of Savoy changed to the eagle of the RSI.
Ribbons:
- Yellow stripes on amaranth ribbon.
- On August 24th, 1942 changed to gold stripes on purple ribbon.
Known makers:
- S.Johnson, Milano.
- D. Cravanzola, Roma.
- A. Alberti & Co., Roma (thought to have produced a few higher classes).
Notes of interest:
- Rare order in any class, especially the RSI versions.
- Quality of 1st type was very good, quality of 2nd type was good to fair. Copies of fair quality are encountered.
- Higher class originals are always of 7 part construction (eagle, blue disk, gilt ring, cross, gilt ring, blue disk, fascias).
- Lower class originals are always of 5 part construction (eagle, blue disk/ring, cross, blue disk/ring, fascias).
- Except stars, badges were rarely hallmarked (occasionally a silver hallmark of 800 on the suspension).
- The eagle's beaks on the Roman dagger handles are always pointing up.
Information on the Order of the Roman Eagle courtesy K.Johnston © antiquesandmilitaria.com.
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