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

(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. Fullsize: in gold with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, weighing 10.3 grams inclusive of its ribbon, unmarked, measuring 35.3 mm in diameter, crazing evident in the white enamels on the reverse of the arm at 3 o'clock, chipping in the green enamelled jewel on the crown, original ribbon; and Miniature: in silver gilt with white and blue enamels, measuring 15 mm in diameter, chipping evident in the white enamels on most of the arms on both sides. Near extremely fine and very fine, respectively. In their hardshelled case of issue, the lid with the crowned cypher of King Victor Emmanuel III in gold-coloured ink, inside lid in red satin and padded, the base in red satin and housing a raised platform in brown felt, with two recessed medal beds for the awards, scuffing and wear evident on the exterior, the interior very clean, case better than very 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.