Italy, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown in Gold, Commander's Badge

Instituted in 1868. In 18 karat Gold and blue, green, red, and white enamels, white-enameled gilt cross with gold knots in each corner; the obverse centerpiece features a white, green, and red enameled crown on a blue-enameled field, surrounded by a gold ring, the reverse centerpiece features a black enameled eagle with a red and white enameled shield on its chest, surrounded by a gold ring; on original neck ribbon, 51.8 mm, enamels intact, extremely fine condition. In a hard-shelled case, purple satin lined on the inside lid, purple velvet medal bed, wear and scuffing on the exterior, Royal monogram on exterior lid, very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown of Italy was founded by Victor Emmanuel II in 1868 to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861. It was the first national Order instituted after the unification of the Kingdom of Italy. It was awarded in five degrees for civilian and military merit. The order has been suppressed by law since the foundation of the Republic in 1946.