Ordine della Corona d'Italia. Instituted in 1868. Fullsize: in silver gilt with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, measuring 35.8 mm in diameter, intact enamels, original ribbon; and Miniature: in silver gilt with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, measuring 16.5 mm in diameter, intact enamels, original ribbon. Extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, cypher of King Victor Emmanuel III (ruled: 1900-1946) on the lid, recessed medal beds for both the Fullsize and Miniature awards, scuffing and wear evident on the exterior, 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. 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.

