Collar of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus

Product overview

The Collare Mauriziana is an Italian state decoration given to long-serving members of the armed forces and state armed corps. It is intended for officers and non-commissioned officers who meet the legal criteria and for official conferment typically signed by the President; the award recognizes 50 years of meritorious service.

Definition: The Collare Mauriziana is an Italian honor awarded for 50 years of useful service in the Forze Armate and Corpi Armati dello Stato. Suitable for collectors, veterans’ families, and institutions interested in military history, tradition and military surplus items.

Main features

Official characteristics and legal references define the appearance and eligibility for the Collare Mauriziana.

• Legal basis: Regulated by Legge 8 ottobre 1984, n. 693, with retroactive effect from 1º January 1980.
• Design: Classic military honor design with refined detailing in the medal and collaret.
• Ribbon: The collare is suspended from a 37 mm wide ribbon.
• Punching/engraving: The reverse typically bears the recipient’s name and surname.
• Eligibility scope: Awarded to qualified personnel from Esercito Italiano, Marina Militare, Aeronautica Militare, Arma dei Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza.
• Historical note: Since 1981 it has not been conferred to the Corpo delle Guardie di P.S., now Polizia di Stato, which lost military status after reform.

How to use / When it’s useful

Quick answer: The Collare Mauriziana is presented at a formal ceremony to honor long and meritorious service, and replicas are commonly used for display, collections, or family remembrance. It is most appropriate for official displays, museums, commemorations and collectors of military surplus or ceremonial items.

In most cases, the original award is issued in a solemn ceremony presided by a high-ranking officer; replicas and authentic retired pieces are used by collectors and institutions for historical or commemorative purposes rather than official wear. Handle official decorations respectfully and follow applicable rules when displaying or reproducing them.

Care and notes

General care recommendations and legal notes for owners and collectors.

• Store in a dry, padded case to protect finish and ribbon from wear.
• Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners or polishes that can damage finishes.
• Do not claim official status or use replicas to impersonate service members; official awards are governed by law.
• Note the award’s legal and historical context—know that Polizia di Stato is excluded since 1981.

FAQ

Q: Who can receive the Collare Mauriziana?

A: Officers and non-commissioned officers of the Forze Armate and Corpi Armati dello Stato who have completed 50 years of useful service are eligible under the law; formal conferment is made by the President or by authorized authorities.

Q: What types of service count toward the 50 years?

A: Counted service includes military service, wartime campaigns, UN or multinational missions, certain flying duties (where 50% may be credited), command duties, and approved training time such as required university or theology courses for chaplains.

Q: Is the Collare Mauriziana still given to the Polizia di Stato?

A: No. After the 1981 reform the Corpo delle Guardie di P.S. became the Polizia di Stato and lost military status, so the Collare Mauriziana is no longer conferred to that body.

Q: Which law defines the medal’s rules?

A: The medal and its single standardized model are regulated by Legge 8 ottobre 1984, n. 693, which set criteria and applied retroactively from 1º January 1980.

Q: Is the recipient’s name recorded on the medal?

A: Yes. The reverse of the medal is normally punched or engraved with the recipient’s name and surname, reflecting the personal nature of the award.

Q: Can I buy a Collare Mauriziana replica for display or collection?

A: Replicas and high-quality reproductions are commonly available for collectors, museums and family displays; they are not official state awards and should not be used to impersonate or claim official status.

Tip: Choose the right variant (original, decommissioned, or replica) for your needs and check ribbon width and engraving options before purchase; browse related military surplus and ceremonial items to complete a respectful display or collection.