Italy, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown of Italy, V Class Knight, c.1920

(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. In 18K Gold with red, white, blue and black enamels, unmarked, weighing 10.4 grams, measuring 37 mm (w) x 40 mm (h) inclusive of its lateral-pierced ball suspension, tiny chip evident in the white enamels on the arm at 9 o'clock and crazing present in four of the white beads on the crown on the obverse, original ribbon, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, exterior with a dimpled maroon paper covering, case manufacturer marked "ZUCCHELLI BOLOGNA" on the bottom, inside lid lined in white satin, padded and maker marked "CRAVANZOLA Succ. E. Gardino Gioielleria ROMA", a white cardboard insert placed within the base, black felt medal bed, scuffing and edge wear on the exterior, broken hinge, 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.