GENEVA.- Enthusiasts of great history and collectors of phaleristics gathered in large numbers yesterday afternoon to follow the closing of the landmark auction of orders of chivalry and decorations that once belonged to H.M. King Umberto II, organized by the Piguet auction house.

These museum-quality pieces - distinguished both by the refinement of their craftsmanship and the richness of their ornamentation in precious materials and gemstones, and above all by their significance in the history of international diplomatic relations - generated worldwide excitement, resulting in excellent outcomes and key figures:

· 44 lots offered on the market for the first time
· CHF 1.2 million in total results, tripling their estimate
· 100% of lots sold
· 200 bidders from 27 countries
· 2,000 visitors during the three days of public exhibition in Geneva (CH)

One of the specialties of the Swiss auction house Piguet is offering previously unseen objects sourced directly from the greatest aristocratic, royal, and imperial families. The success of the sale of the orders of chivalry and decorations of the last King of Italy stands as a testament to the renewed trust placed in it by Europe’s leading families. They thus commend the ability of Bernard Piguet and his team to pass on and bring these legacies back to life for a new generation.

On the occasion of the exhibition opening, the auctioneers and specialists of the house had the honor of welcoming H.R.H. Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, Prince of Venice and Head of the Royal House of Savoy

The orders and decorations brought together in this catalogue bear witness to the exceptional life of my grandfather, King Umberto II, and to the place he held, from a very young age, among the monarchies and states of the world. I am convinced that these pieces, rich in memory and meaning, will continue their story in new collections.” - Quotation from H.R.H. Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy in the preface to the Piguet catalogue specially published for this prestigious collection.

The distinctions of Imperial Russia:

Two lots representing the highest degree of distinction of the Tsarist Empire were won after a long online bidding battle, for a total of CHF 455,000 (lots 1799, opposite, and 1800).

The first, the Imperial Order of Saint Andrew the First-Called — the highest civil and military distinction of Imperial Russia — included a badge and a collar richly crafted by the jeweller Johann Lindstedt for the House of Edouard; it reached twice its estimated value !

The second lot brought together four major Imperial orders, traditionally conferred upon recipients of the Order of Saint Andrew.

Bidding reached a peak!

Among the other lots achieving significant results, the Order of the Chakri Dynasty of the Kingdom of Thailand reached CHF 63,000, doubling its estimate (lot 1794); the Order of Carol I of the Kingdom of Romania changed hands for CHF 60,000, seven times its estimate (lot 1809); the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum of Japan achieved CHF 30,000, five times its estimate (lot 1831); the Supreme Order of Christ of the Vatican reached CHF 76,000, quintupling its estimate (lot 1824); and finally, the Order of Nishan al-Muhammad ‘Ali of the Kingdom of Egypt closed at CHF 114,000, tripling its estimate (lot 1832, opposite), to name but a few.

It should be noted that, alongside these excellent results, the House of Savoy has decided to return to the Spanish Crown the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece and that of the Order of Charles III.

The March sales also featured 12 lots of manuscripts and illustrated folios from the collection of the Pahlavi family, relatives of the last Shah of Iran, which had remained within the family to this day. The group totaled CHF 93,000 — fifteen times its estimate — with 100% of lots sold (lots 1779 to 1790). The medals of the Kingdom of Iran also attracted collectors, achieving a total of CHF 33,000 (lots 1838 to 1853).

Flora Danica service of H.M. Queen Astrid of the Belgians

An impressive Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica service, divided into 21 lots and originating from the descendants of H.M. Queen Astrid of the Belgians - passed down through her mother, H.R.H. Princess Ingeborg of Denmark, wife of Prince Carl of Sweden — also achieved a strong result of CHF 58,000 (lots 1178 to 1200).