Italy, Kingdom. A Military Order of Italy, Officer Cross in Gold, c.1880 visually-hidden but the sword and scabbard

but the sword and scabbard on either side remain

tank badge in silver

Minor discolouration is evident to the dust jackets of both books

nicely marked inside

After the Mariana Islands

Italy, Kingdom. A Military Order of Italy, Officer Cross in Gold, c.1880 visually-hidden but the sword and scabbardInstituted August 14, 1815. Type II (1855 1946). In 18K Gold, a white enamel cross with green enamel segments in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presenting a white enamel cross on red enamelled field, encircled by the inscription AL MERITO MILITARE, the reverse medallion featuring crossed swords and the date 1853 with royal initials VE, suspended by a trophy of arms suspension denoting officer class, measures 35. 79 mm (w) x 57. 68 mm (h