Italy, Lucca, The Cross of St George for Military Merit, Third Class decoration, in silver, of similar design to the Russian Insignia of Distinction of the Order of St George but the obverse with cl (Carlo Ludovico) instead of cг (St George) cypher, 36mm, good very fine and extremely rare, with later ribbon. The Cross of St George for Military Merit was established by a decree of 1 June 1833 in Vienna by Carlo II Ludovico di Borbone-Parma (1799-1883), Infante of Spain, King of Etruria (1803-07), Duke of Lucca (1824-47) and Duke of Parma (1847-48). The Order came in three classes, First class with star as worn by the Duke, The first two classes in gold and enamels, these were very rarely bestowed with diamonds for the most exceptional merit. The First class as awarded to Senior General Officers and awarded to other officers for extreme distinction, the Second class to those below the rank of General Officer, The Third class was open to all ranks including Privates and N.C.Os. The Order became obsolete in 1847 when the Duchy reverted to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
Estimate: £1’500-2’000