Italy. Kingdom. A Cased Order of the Crown of Italy in Gold, Grand Cross Set, c. 1900

(Ordine della Corona d’Italia). Instituted February 20th, 1868. (c. 1900 issue). A cased Grand Cross set of the Order of the Crown of Italy, consisting of:

1. A sash badge, constructed of 18kt Gold, with blue, green, red, and white enamels, suspended from a fixed loop and swivel ring suspension from its period sash ribbon, consisting of a white-enameled hollow construction Gold cross with Gold knots in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a blue enameled centerpiece bearing a royal crown constructed of white, green, and red enamels, surrounded by a Gold ring, the reverse features a Gold central medallion bearing a black enameled eagle with a red and white enameled shield on its chest, surrounded by a matching Gold ring, unmarked, measuring 50.5 mm (w) x 52.7 mm (l), with reddish rub marks on the top arm of the cross from contact with its sash ribbon, in better than very fine condition.

2. A breast star, constructed of silver, consisting of a nine-pointed star with five quills between each larger quill, the obverse with a central blue enameled medallion bearing a royal crown constructed of white, green, and red enamels, surrounded by a white enameled medallion inscribed “Vict. Eman. II. Rex. Italiae MDCCCLXVI” (Victor Emanuel II King of Italy 1866” in capitalized Gold lettering, surrounded by a square-sashed ring and topped by a black enameled eagle with a red and white enameled shield on its chest, the reverse plain with a barrel hinge, vertical pinback, and broad rightward-facing catch, maker marked “E. Gardino Succ. Cravanzola, Roma” in the central applique, measuring 88.5 mm (w) x 89.9 mm (l), weighing 90.00 grams, with patina on the tips of the quills but the enamels very well preserved, free of chips or flakes with only mine contact marks, in overall better than very fine condition.

3. Accompanied by its boutonniere and presentation case of issue, the boutonniere consisting of a blackened magnetic button with a bow-tie ribbon, the case constructed of a lightweight wooden core with a slightly textured red faux leather exterior, the exterior of the lid with a Royal Crown and the Royal cypher of King Vittorio Emanuele in raised gilt, the interior of the lid lined with off-white silk blended fabric, marked “CRA. Vanzola, Succ. E. Gardino, Gioielleria, Roma” in blue ink, with a functional exterior dual metal hinges, intact interior fabric hinge cover, functional exterior metal clasp, and recessed medal bed for placement of the award, measuring 133 mm (w) x 275 mm (l), in near extremely fine condition.