(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. In 18K Gold with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, unmarked, weighing 9.3 grams, measuring 37.2 mm (w) x 40 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, contact marks evident on the raised rim on the reverse centrepiece, clear glue residue evident on the arms due to repositioning of the centrepieces on both sides, three gilt crown clasps affixed to its original ribbon, near extremely 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: 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.