(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. Fullsize: multi-piece construction, in 18K Gold with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, weighing 9.0 grams, unmarked, measuring 36.5 mm in diameter x 38.8 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, crazing evident in the white enamels on the right tip of the arm at 6 o'clock on the reverse, otherwise the enamels are intact, original ribbon; and Miniature: multi-piece construction, in 18K Gold with red, white, blue and black enamels, weighing 1.2 grams, measuring 14 mm in diameter, original ribbon. Together, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, maroon leather-look pebbled exterior, crowned monogram of King Victor Emanuele III (1900-1946) in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in white satin and padded, inset platform incorporating a two recessed medal beds in off-white felt, clasp closure, measuring 116.8 mm (w) x 103.5 mm (h) x 28.5 mm (d), scuffing and edge wear evident on the exterior, light discolouration in the white felt of the medal bed, 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: 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.