This is a miniature version of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, designed for private purchase and wear alongside civilian formal attire, such as evening dress or tails, rather than military uniform.
The insignia combines the white cross bottony representing the Order of Saint Maurice and the green Maltese cross of the Order of Saint Lazarus, aligned diagonally and executed in coloured enamel over a gold base. The piece is surmounted by a crown, signifying the patronage of the Royal House of Savoy.
The combined Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus thrived with the support provided by the House of Savoy and the Papacy. Initially, the Order held both religious and military aspects, with certain knights taking holy orders akin to monks, simultaneously expected to engage in combat to defend faith and sovereignty. Their mission extended to safeguarding the Papal States’ coastline from Barbary pirates. The Order’s prestige was so significant that numerous European sovereigns encouraged their distinguished nobility to seek admission.
Throughout its history, the Order transitioned from military endeavors to contributing positively to humanity by expanding its secular influence. Military activities gradually gave way to the establishment and operation of hospitals strategically located in Piedmont. In response to a leprosy outbreak in the 18th century, the Order founded a hospital in Aosta in AD 1773, as recounted in Xavier de Maistre’s tale, Le Lépreux de la cité d’Aoste. This humanitarian endeavor became its primary focus for several ensuing centuries. By the time the statutes were published in AD 1816, the Order had shed its military character. Subsequent reforms occurred under Charles Albert of Savoy in AD 1831, Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy in AD 1868, and Grand Master Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy in AD 1996 and AD 1999.
In AD 2001, the Grand Master appointed H.R.H. Prince Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy, a descendant of the Order’s inaugural Grand Master, to serve as Grand Chancellor. Prince Emmanuel Philibert currently presides over A.I.C.O.D.S. (International Association of the Dynastic Orders of the House of Savoy) and collaborates with the Grand Master and Grand Chancellor in directing and governing the Orders. Admission to the Order is subject to the Grand Master’s approval, either initiated by him (motu proprio) or through his agreement to admit candidates proposed by Delegates and endorsed by the Council.
The Order boasts over 2000 members, including Knights and Dames of various ranks, organized into 35 Delegations worldwide. H.R.H. Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy serves as the 17th Grand Master, aided by a Grand Chancellor, an Executive Committee, a Council, and Delegates responsible for their respective Delegations globally, contributing to the Order’s administration.
Internationally, two annual ceremonies commemorate the Order. One pays tribute to deceased members of the Royal Family at the Royal Abbey of Hautecombe in the former Duchy of Savoy, now part of the French Republic. The other, celebrating the admission or promotion of new members, typically occurs in Geneva, the Abbey of St. Maurice d’Agaune in Switzerland, or Rome, Italy. Known as the Capitolo Generale (Chapter General) of the Savoy Orders, this occasion encompasses an installation ceremony and a gala ball, benefitting the charitable initiatives of the Savoy Orders.
Borna Barac, Reference Catalogue Orders Medals and Decorations of the World : instituted until 1945 : Part II Silver Book G-P (Craotia:OBOL d.o.o. Zagreb, 2010)
Burke, Bernar. The book of orders of knighthood and decorations of honour of all nations. (London: Hurst and Blackett, 1858)
Amedeo di Savoia-Aosta, “In nome del Re Conversazione con Gigi Speroni”, Pavia 1986