(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. Three-piece construction, in 18K Gold with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, unmarked, weighing 14.9 grams inclusive of its ribbon as its ends are sewn together, measuring 36 mm (w) x 40 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, light contact, large rosette affixed to its original ribbon, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, red pebbled exterior on five sides, monogram of King Vittorio Emanuelle III in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in white cloth, padded and maker marked "Dco CRAVANZOLA PROV. DELLA R. CASA E R.R. MINISTERI CORSO. UMBERTO I 338.339.540 ROMA", base lined in white satin, with a raised platform incorporating a recessed bed in black felt, measuring 69.5 mm (w) x 105 mm (h) x 24.5 mm (d), the black pebbled paper covering having come off in five locations on the bottom due to previous board mounting, lightly soiled white satin lining in the base, case 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: 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.