Italy, Republic. An Order Of Merit, I Class Grand Cross, By E.gardino, C.1955 Auction Archive inscribed “1942”

inscribed “1942”

in the shape of a traditional pilot’s badge

Some soiling evident but otherwise in a very fine condition

with 8 Canadian Field Squadron

Italy, Republic. An Order Of Merit, I Class Grand Cross, By E.gardino, C.1955 Auction Archive inscribed “1942”(Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana). Instituted in 1951. Badge: in silver gilt with red, white and green enamels, measuring 71 mm (w) x 96 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, chipping and loss evident in the red enamels at the base of the crown, on its original full length sash incorporating a decorative moir pattern; and Breast Star: insignia in silver gilt with white enamels, mounted to an eight pointed star base, each star point with