Italy, Kingdom. An Order Of The Crown Of Italy In Gold, V Class Knight, By E.gardino,

(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. Multi-piece construction, in 18K Gold with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, weighing 10.5 grams, unmarked, measuring 35.7 mm in diameter x 39.2 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, large chip evident in the white enamels on the lower tip of the arm at 3 o'clock on the reverse, otherwise the enamels are intact, original ribbon, better than very fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, red dimpled exterior, crowned monogram of King Victor Emanuele III (1900-1946) in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in white satin, padded and maker marked "E. GARDINO Succ. / D. CRAVANZOLA / GIOIELLERIA / ROMA", inset platform incorporating a recessed medal bed in black felt, clasp closure, measuring 64.8 mm (w) x 89.5 mm (h) x 20.7 mm (d), edge wear evident on the exterior, case near extremely 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.