(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. Fullsize: multi-piece construction, in 18K Gold with red, white, green, blue and black enamels, weighing 7.9 grams, unmarked, measuring 38 mm (w) x 40.2 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, original ribbon; and Miniature: in 18K Gold with red, white, green, blue and black enamels, weighing 2.2 grams, unmarked, measuring 19.5 mm (w) x 19 mm (h), intact enamels, original ribbon. Together, extremely fine. In their hardshelled case of issue, red dimpled exterior, crowned monogram of King Vittorio Emanuelle III in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in navy blue satin and padded, medal bed in navy blue felt and incorporating recessed medal beds for the badge and the miniature, measuring 103.5 mm (w) x 119.5 mm (h) x 21.5 mm (d), the back panel coming away from the body of the case's base and exposing the wooden framework, case fine.
Footnote: The Order of the Crown of Italy was founded as a national order in 1868 by King Vittorio Emanuele III, 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.