Italy, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown of Italy, III Class Commander Set

(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. Fullsize: multi-piece construction, in 18K Gold with red, white, green, blue and black enamels, weighing 20.8 grams, unmarked, measuring 52 mm (w) x 56 mm (h) inclusive of its inclusive of its integral ring, intact enamels, on its original full-length neck ribbon; and Miniature: three-piece construction, in 18K Gold with red, white, green, blue and black enamels, weighing 2.1 grams, unmarked, measuring 18.2 mm (w) x 28.8 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, intact enamels, original ribbon. Together, extremely fine. Accompanied by its Rosette, measuring 12.5 mm in diameter with button hole attachment, in their hardshelled case of issue, red felt exterior, monogram of King Vittorio Emanuelle III in gilt metal on the lid, inside lid in gold-coloured satin, padded and maker marked "SUCCESSORI DI / Aless. Santi / VENEZIA", medal bed in gold-coloured felt, incorporating a raised platform with recessed medal beds for all three items, measuring 147 mm (w) x 195 mm (h) x 33 mm (d), case also extremely 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.