(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. A Gold cross with white enamel arms, gold knots in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presents a crown with white, red and green enamel features, on a blue enamel field, surrounded by a Gold ring, the reverse medallion presents a left facing black enamel eagle with a white cross on a red enamel oval on its chest, measures 36.73mm (w) x 39.84mm (h – including integral ring) 10.8 grams (including ribbon), worn on original ribbon, centerpiece slightly loose, wear to obverse medallion crown, enamels intact, very fine condition. Contained in a hardshell case of issue, crowned cypher of King Victor Emmanuel III on the lid, white satin lined inside lid, crème coloured velvet recessed medal bed, hinge and clasp working, light scuffing to corners, extremely fine condition.
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.