(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted February 20, 1868 by Victor Emmanuel II. In silver gilt, a white enamelled cross with knots in each quadrant, the obverse medallion features a blue enamelled field with a Lombardy crown with red, green and white enamel details, the reverse medallion features a black enamelled eagle with a red and white enamelled shield on its chest, measures 51.4mm (w) x 55.24mm (h – inclusive of integral loop), weighs 23.8 grams (including ribbon), worn on a section of ribbon connected by an elongated loop, cracking to blue enamel in obverse medallion, wear to gilt, knots in quadrants gently misshapen, in overall very fine condition.
Footnote: The Order was founded by Victor Emmanuel II to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861. It was the first national Order instituted after the unification of the Kingdom of Italy. This Order was conferred upon Italians and foreign citizens, regardless of religious affiliations, who had rendered extraordinary service to the Kingdom of Italy and the Sovereign within military and civil realms.