(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. In 18K Gold with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, unmarked, weighing 18.4 grams, measuring 50.5 mm in diameter x 53.3 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, large chip evident in the white enamels on the right tip of the arm at 6 o'clock on the obverse, the enamelled jewels of the crown on the obverse centrepiece along with the enamels on the eagle on the reverse centerpiece intact, on its original full-length neck ribbon, very fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, red textured paper exterior, cypher of King Vittorio Emanuelle III in gold-coloured ink on the lid, the padded white cotton inside lid with its manufacturer's label having been lost to time but the label adhesive outline remains, ribbed green felt medal bed, push release, measuring 85 mm (w) x 150 mm (h) x 22 mm (d), scuffing evident on the red textured paper exterior, pinholes present on the white cotton inside lid, 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.