Italy, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown, III Class Commander in a Rare Case, by Rota G.B., Genova, c.1920

(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. In 18K Gold with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, unmarked, weighing 15.6 grams, measuring 50.5 mm (w) x 53.2 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, intact enamels, free of contact marks, original neck ribbon, better than extremely fine. Accompanied by its Miniature in silver gilt with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, unmarked, measuring 16 mm (w) x 25.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, with its original ribbon, along with its 12.3 mm in diameter Rosette, mounted to a 16 mm in diameter button hole attachment. In their hardshelled case of issue, independent crown surmounting the cypher of Vittorio Emanuelle III affixed to the lid, maker marked "ROTA G.B. VIA OREFICI 26. GENOVA" (Genoa) on the white satin padded inside lid, blonde yellow medal bed with three recessed areas for the badge, miniature and rosette, latch closure, dual-hinged, scuffing and wear evident on the exterior, along with a large stain on the bottom, case fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown of Italy was founded as a national order in 1868 by King Vittorio Emanuele II, to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861. It was awarded in five degrees for civilian and military merit. Compared with the older Order of Saint Maurice and Saint Lazarus (1572), the Order of the Crown of Italy was awarded more liberally and could be conferred on non-Catholics as well. Eventually, it became a requirement for a person to have already received the Order of the Crown of Italy in at least the same degree before receiving the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. The order has been suppressed by law since the foundation of the Republic in 1946.