Italy, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown in Gold, III Class Commander, Cased

(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. Multi-piece construction, in 18K Gold with red, white, green, blue and black enamels, weighing 20.5 grams inclusive of its ribbon, unmarked, measuring 50.5 mm (w) x 53 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, missing two white enamelled beads on the left side of the crown on the obverse, otherwise the enamels are intact, on its original full-length neck ribbon, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, red dimpled exterior, the lid bearing the cypher of Vittorio Emanuelle III in gold-coloured ink, inside lid in white satin, padded and maker marked "CRAVANZOLA Succ. E. Gardino Giotelleria ROMA", base with an insert in black felt with a recessed medal bed, measuring 82.3 mm (w) x 135.5 mm (h) x 25 mm (d), exhibiting scuffing and wear on the exterior, with wear present in the fabric overlying the hinged area, case near 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.