Italy - Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, Commander Cross (2nd Class) (Ordine dei Santi Maurizio e Lazzaro, Croce di Commendatore di II Classe)
The Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (Ordine dei Santi Maurizio e Lazzaro) is one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious chivalric orders, with a history dating back to the 12th century. It was officially merged in 1572 by Duke Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy, with papal approval from Pope Gregory XIII, combining:
The Order of St. Maurice (1434) – A military and religious order.
The Order of St. Lazarus (12th century) – Originally established to care for lepers and protect Catholicism.
This Commander Cross (2nd Class) was conferred upon foreign and Italian Catholics who provided extraordinary military and civil service to the Kingdom of Italy and the House of Savoy.
Despite being discontinued as an official state order in 1951, it continues as a dynastic order of the House of Savoy, recognizing contributions to charity, culture, and military service.
Specifications
Institution: Established 1572, merged from two medieval chivalric orders.
Period: Pre-1951 official issue (discontinued as a state order but remains a dynastic award).
Dimensions: 85.20 mm (height, including crown suspension) x 54.29 mm (width).
Material: Silver-gilt with white and green enamel details.
Condition: Excellent, with minimal wear (please refer to pictures for assessment).
Ribbon: Worn on a neck ribbon, confirming Commander Class status.
Design Features
Overall Structure
Elegant cross with white enamel arms, symbolizing purity and service.
Suspended from a royal Savoyard crown, reinforcing its noble and dynastic origins.
Obverse and Reverse Details
White enamel Maltese cross of St. Maurice, symbolizing chivalry, loyalty, and Catholic faith.
Suspension & Ribbon
Commander Class is worn around the neck (confirmation of II Class status).
Green neck ribbon, reinforcing its traditional appearance.
Historical Context
Creation & Evolution
Pope Gregory XIII officially approved the order in 1572, merging the Order of St. Maurice and the Order of St. Lazarus.
Originally awarded only as a Knight’s Cross, with two classes:
Knight of Justice (required proof of four generations of nobility).
Knight of Grace (awarded for military or civil service).
Expanded in 1816 by Victor Emmanuel I, introducing:
Grand Cross
Knights (with Justice & Grace subcategories).
Further reorganized in 1831 by King Charles Albert, introducing:
Commander Class (this piece).
Victor Emmanuel II (1855–1857) added Grand Officer & Officer ranks, abolishing the earlier Knight subcategories.
Official Discontinuation & Dynastic Status
In 1951, the Order was discontinued as a state decoration after the abolition of the Italian monarchy.
The House of Savoy continues to confer it as a dynastic order, recognizing contributions to:
Charitable work.
Military and civil merit.
Cultural and humanitarian efforts.
Hierarchy of the Order
The Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus consists of five classes:
Grand Cross (Gran Croce) – Highest distinction, worn with a sash and Breast Star.
Grand Officer (Grande Ufficiale) – Worn with a Breast Star and neck ribbon.
Commander (Commendatore) – Worn on a neck ribbon (this piece).
Officer (Ufficiale) – Worn on a chest ribbon with rosette.
Knight (Cavaliere) – Entry-level rank, worn on a plain chest ribbon.
Commander Cross (2nd Class) was limited to 500 members, making it a highly sought-after award.
This Italy - Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, Commander Cross (2nd Class) is a historically significant and highly collectible decoration, representing centuries of chivalric tradition and noble service under the House of Savoy.
Despite being discontinued as an official state award in 1951, it remains an active dynastic order, making pre-1951 issues particularly valuable.
With intact enamel, fine craftsmanship, and confirmation of Commander Class status, this piece is an essential addition to any collection of European chivalric orders.
For authentication and valuation, please refer to the provided pictures to assess condition, enamel quality, and overall presentation.