Italy, Kingdom. A Colonial Order of the Star of Italy, V Class Knight, c.1920

(Ordine Coloniale della Stella d'Italia). Instituted in 1914. In bronze gilt with red, white and green enamels, measuring 41.2 mm (w) x 39.5 mm (h), intact enamels, two gilt crown clasps affixed to its original ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Colonial Order of the Star of Italy was founded as a colonial order of knighthood on June 18, 1914 by King Victor Emmanuel III, to reward soldiers deployed to the colony of Libya. The order had fallen into abeyance by 1943, when Allied forces conquered the colonies of Italian North Africa. It was awarded in five grades: Knight Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.