Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/745

354 or advanced age, the increased pay is not withdrawn, and they retain it, independently of the pensions to which they may have claim.

The badge is a pentagonal radiating star, the round middle of which contains, on the obverse, the initials 'L. II.,' and is surrounded by the words 'Merito Militare,' while the reverse shows the year '1853.' The star of the first two classes has a gold edge, and is surmounted by a gold crown, while that of the third class has only a silver crown. It is worn suspended by a red and black ribbon, by the first class round the neck, and by the two others, upon the left breast.

MEDAL OF MILITARY MERIT,

Was founded by a decree of the 19th May, 1841, and is to be worn by the same ribbon as described in the preceding Order, Third Class.

It bears the inscription 'Fedeltà e Valore.'

MEDALS AND DECORATIONS OF HONOUR.

1. Medal of Merit, of gold, value 50 ducats, instituted in 1816, by Ferdinand III., as a reward of virtue, for those who distinguish themselves by noble deeds and humane actions.

2. Military Medal of silver, instituted in 1815, for distinguished sub-officers and privates. No.5 contains the obverse, while the reverse exhibits the inscription, 'Ai Prodi e Fedeli Toscani, 1815,' (To the brave and faithful Tuscans).

3. The Long Service Military Medal, of copper, bestowed on soldiers after twenty-five years' active duty. It is connected with a pension of 3 lire per month. The obverse is represented