Italy, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown of Italy, IV Class Officer Set, Cased

(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. Fullsize: multi-piece construction, in 18K Gold with red, white, green, blue and black enamels, weighing 9.4 grams, unmarked, measuring 37 mm (w) x 40.7 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, large rosette affixed to its original ribbon, and Miniature: in 18K Gold with red, white, blue and black enamels, weighing 1.3 grams, unmarked, measuring 17.5 mm (w) x 17.5 mm (h), intact enamels, rosette affixed to its original ribbon. Together, extremely fine. Accompanied by its Rosette, measuring 8.5 mm in diameter with button hole attachment, in their hardshelled case of issue, maroon leather-look exterior, crowned monogram of King Vittorio Emanuelle III in bronze gilt, inside lid in ivory satin, padded and exhibiting the impression of the badge and the miniature, medal bed in light yellow felt and incorporating recessed medal beds for the badge and the miniature, along with a slot for the rosette, measuring 108.5 mm (w) x 122.8 mm (h) x 24 mm (d), scattered gilt wear evident on the monogram, light wear overall present on the exterior, fraying in the fabric overlying the hinged area, case very fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown of Italy was founded as a national order in 1868 by King Vittorio Emanuele III, to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861. It was awarded in five degrees for civilian and military merit: Knight Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. 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.