GENEVA.- Piguet Auction House will present, at its upcoming online March auctions (March 5 to 18), an exceptional and never-before-seen set of decorations and orders of chivalry that belonged to His Majesty King Umberto II, the last King of Italy. Remaining in the family until today, these historic treasures will be revealed to the public for the first time and offered at auction in a world-exclusive sale in Geneva!
Each of these decorations was personally intended for its recipient: the heir to the throne of Italy. They will be on display in the Piguet salons from 12 to 15 March 2026, prior to their sale during the week of 16 March. Assembled in 44 major lots, this remarkable collection vividly illustrates the prestige and international influence of the Italian monarchy in the 20th century.
"It is extremely rare to offer a collection as important and prestigious within a single auction. The most illustrious orders of chivalry are represented here at their highest rank!" emphasizes Bernard Piguet, Director and auctioneer of the house. "Being entrusted by Europe’s most prominent aristocratic families is an immense privilege, accompanied by the responsibility to ensure that these prestigious objects continue their story with a new owner worthy of their heritage."
Most of these decorations were awarded to Umberto II while he was still Prince of Piedmont and reflect the dynastic and diplomatic ties linking the great reigning families of Europe and the world at the beginning of the 20th century - from France to Belgium, from Sweden to Russia, and extending to the Vatican, Portugal, Peru, Egypt, Thailand, and Japan… While some of these dynasties no longer reign or have disappeared, this collection stands out for its rare historical significance and is destined to leave a lasting mark on the market for orders and decorations.
A Royal Provenance
King Umberto II of Italy (1904–1983) received numerous decorations and orders of chivalry, reflecting his rank as heir to the throne within the monarchies and states with which Italy maintained close diplomatic relations.
Born heir to the Kingdom of Italy at the Royal Castle of Racconigi in Piedmont, north-west Italy, Umberto was the only son of King Victor Emmanuel III (1869–1947) and Queen Elena, Princess of Montenegro (1873–1952). In 1930, he married Princess Marie-José (1906–2001), daughter of Albert I (1875–1934), King of the Belgians, and sister of Leopold III (1901–1983).
A closer look at some of the star lots of this landmark sale:
Prestigious Orders and splendours of Imperial Russia
At the pinnacle of this set are two Russian lots of exceptional importance, representing the highest degree of recognition granted by the Tsarist Empire. The Imperial Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle the First-Called - the highest civil and military distinction of Imperial Russia - was awarded in 1910 to the Prince of Piedmont, the future Umberto II, then six years old. Instituted by Peter the Great in 1698, this order includes a jewel - or main insignia — and a richly decorated collar in solid gold and enamel, crafted by the goldsmith Johann Lindstedt for the House of Edouard, complete with its original star and case (lot 1799, estimated CHF 100,000–150,000).*
Accompanying this supreme distinction is a unique case containing four Russian imperial orders, traditionally awarded to recipients of the Order of Saint Andrew: the Order of Saint Anne, the Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky, the Order of the White Eagle, and the Order of Saint Stanislaus (lot 1800, estimated CHF 40,000–60,000). Preserved in their original cases, these two lots testify to the eminent position held by the House of Savoy within European diplomacy and courts. They also represent rare and eloquent examples of the ceremonial refinement of the Russian Empire.
The Supreme Order of Christ and other prestigious European honours
Another highlight is the Supreme Order of Christ of the Vatican, the highest pontifical distinction, which was awarded to Umberto in 1929 on the occasion of the signing of the Lateran Pacts. No longer conferred today and almost unattainable, this order symbolizes the central role played by the future King of Italy at a pivotal moment in European political and religious history (lot 1824 estimated CHF 15,000–20,000).
Beyond Italy’s borders, Umberto II became a Knight of the Order of the Seraphim and received the Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold, the most prestigious orders of the Kingdoms of Sweden and Belgium (lots 1828 and 1804). He was elevated to the dignity of Grand Cross of the National Order of the Légion d’Honneur and the Order of Saint Charles, the highest French and Monegasque distinctions (lots 1815 and 1816). In addition, he received the highest honours of the Kingdoms of Romania, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Serbia, and others…
Beyond the borders of Europe
The international influence of the Italian monarchy extends beyond European borders. Piguet’s upcoming March sale features the most exclusive American, African, and Asian orders ever offered at auction. Among the major distinctions are the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum of Japan (lot 1831), the Order of the Sun of Peru (lot 1796), the Nishan al-Muhammad ‘Ali Order of the Kingdom of Egypt (lot 1832), and the Order of the Chakri Dynasty of the Kingdom of Thailand, awarded to Umberto II in 1933 and estimated at CHF 30,000–50,000 (lot 1794).
Taken from a safe after 43 years of long slumber and presented to the public and at auction for the first time, these decorations trace the journey of a prince who became king and embody a diplomatic and monarchical heritage that has now disappeared.
