(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. In gold with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, weighing 9.2 grams, unmarked, measuring 36.5 mm in diameter, intact enamels, original ribbon, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, crowned cypher of King Victor Emmanuel III on the lid, white satin lined inside lid, black felt recessed medal bed, case also extremely 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.

