Italy, Kingdom. An Order Of The Crown, Knight With Case

(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. In silver gilt with white, blue, green, red and black enamels, Gold centrepieces, measuring 36.5 mm (w) x 39.2 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, the obverse centrepiece missing a series of enamelled jewels on the crown, otherwise the enamels are intact, original ribbon, better than very fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, red pebbled exterior, crowned cypher of King Victor Emmanuel III on the lid, inside lid lined in white satin, padded and maker marked "Dco CRAVANZOLA PROV. DELLA R. CASA E R.R. MINISTERI CORSO. UMBERTO I 338.339.540 ROMA", a white cardboard insert placed within the white satin lined base and housing a black felt recessed medal bed, measuring 68 mm (w) x 103 mm (h) x 21 mm (h), wear evident in the fabric overlying the hinged area, light soiling on the white satin lining, case also better than very 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: 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