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Order of Saint Maurice and Saint Lazare (Italy)

Ordine dei Santi Maurizio e Lazzaro

Overview
Flag of St. Maurice - Variant
Emblem of the Order

Overview

Seems the flag of the Order of Saint Maurice and Saint Lazare. I know a similar design, but white cross and crossed green devices (in form of X) behind the centre of the cross.
Jaume Olle', 18 March 1998

The Order of St. Lazarus had been founded in 1119 (or 1151) first as hospitalers, but later as a military order. The Order of St. Maurice was founded in 1434 by Amadeus VIII of Savoy. They were joined together according to the wishes of Emanuel Philibert with papal approval issued 16 September 1572. Their task was to fight against the Turks and Barbary Pirates. Their ships displayed the flag of Savoy and the combined crosses of the Order.
The red flag displayed the white cross botony of St. Maurice superimposed on the green double-pointed cross of St. Lazarus, displayed in saltire.
At the begining, the cross of St. Lazarus was larger than the cross of St. Maurice, but later it was the opposite. In the 18th century, both crosses were the same size.
The flag was flown for the first time on the Galleys "Piemontese" and "Margherita" which were refitted after the Battle of Lepanto. It was flown on the foremast of ships of the Kingdom of Sardina when dressing over all until 1861.
Source: "Flags of Italy Part III: From the County of Savoy to the Kingdom of Italy (1217-1861)" by Aldo Ziggioto [FB Vol. VII No. 3 Summer 1968]
Dave Martucci, 11 July 1998

Flag of St. Maurice - Variant

by André Serranho

The flag at top was seen in Ancona (Italy) in 1998, This one was seen in Ancona in 2000.
André Serranho

Emblem of the Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazare

by Jarig Bakker, 23 December 1998