A Grand Cross Set of the Order: Gold Badge as a white enameled pointed cross, flanked by green enameled laurel and oak branches resp.; red enameled obverse centre medallion with separately- made, crossed sabres sided by the letters « V » and « E » (for Victor Emanuel II King of Sardinia and of Italy) and, above « 1855 » (the year when the Order was reformed); reverse medallion with white enameled Savoy Cross on red background, within red enameled outer circlet with golden inscription « AL MERITO MILITARE »; large, hinged upper crown with round suspension ring and original, full length sash ribbon; Breast Star with chiseled and pierced rays, the centre similar to the badge’s obverse in Gold and enamels; the reverse, fitted with vertical, round pin; the original, blue morocco case of issue, the lid, embossed with the cypher of King Victor Emanuel II; together, the award document to General Charles Auguste Frossard, for his merits as the Commander General of the Engineer Corps of the French Armée d’Italie, during the 1859 campaign against Austria, dated February 29th, 1860, with the autographed signature of Gen. Manfredo Fanti, Minister of War.
An extremely rare, complete group of Italy’s Highest military order, where the Grand Cross was reserved to generals in command of Army or Army Corps, deserving a reward for their direct involvement in operations in the presence of the enemy; excellent condition.
Dim.: the badge, 95,0 x 45,0 mm; the star, Dia. 83,0 mm.
Note: CHARLES AUGUSTE FROSSARD, (18071875), was born on the 26th of April 1807, and entered the army from the École Polytechnique in 1827, being posted to the engineers. He took part in the siege of Rome in 1849 and in that of Sebastopol in 1855, after which he was promoted general of brigade. Four years later as general of division, and chief of engineers in the Italian campaign, thanks to his great military skills displayed on the field, he attracted the particular notice of the emperor Napoleon III., who made him in 1867 chief of his military household and governor to the Prince Imperial. He was one of the superior military authorities who in this period 18661870 foresaw and endeavoured to prepare for the inevitable war with Germany, and at the outbreak of war he was given by Napoleon the choice between a corps command and the post of chief engineer at head- quarters. He chose the command of the II. corps. On the 6th of August 1870 he held the position of Spicheren against the Germans until the arrival of reinforcements for the latter, and the non-appearance of the other French corps compelled him to retire. After this he took part in the battles around Metz, and was involved with his corps in the surrender of Bazaine’s army. General Frossard published in 1872 a Rapport sur les opérations du 2e corps. He died at Château-Villain (Haute-Marne) on the 25th of August 1875. I RR!