Rare Original Italian Order of Merit Knight Grand Cross Breast Star Badge | The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic is the very highest ranking honor of the Italian Republic | It is awarded for Òmerit acquired by the nationÓ in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers | This Breast Badge signifies the Knight Grand Cross, which is the highest degree in the Order | Its formal title is ÒCavaliere di Gran Croce Decorato di Gran Cordone Ordine al Merito della Repubblica ItalianaÓ. The Medal is comprised primarily of Silver (Ò800_ Silver) with Embellished White Enamel | Circa. 1952 | Size: 3.5_ (which is larger than the other badges for other degrees such as the Commander Badge at 3Ó) | This Badge is of the original design which was modified slightly over the years until it was significantly changed in 2001. Provenance: Part of a prominent Lifelong Military Medal Collection; Acquired from private Chicago, IL family of the collector | Very Good Condition with Enamel Intact. The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Italian: Ordine al merito della Repubblica Italiana) was founded as the senior order of knighthood by the second President of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi in 1951. The highest ranking honour of the Republic, it is awarded for Òmerit acquired by the nationÓ in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers. The post-nominal letters for the order are OMRI. The order effectively replaced as national orders the Civil Order of Savoy (1831), the Order of the Crown of Italy (1868), the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (1572) and the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation (1362). Investiture takes place biannually on 2 June, anniversary of the foundation of the Republic and on 27 December, anniversary of the promulgation of the Italian Constitution. However, those awards on Presidential motu proprio, related to termination of service or granted to foreigners may be made at any time. There are five degrees of the Order. The highest degree is the Knight Grand Cross (Cavaliere di Gran Croce Decorato di Gran Cordone Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana).