Italy, Kingdom. A Colonial Order of the Star of Italy, Grand Officer’s Set in Gold, by Cravanzola

(Ordine coloniale della Stella d'Italia). Instituted in 1914, discontinued in 1943. A lovely set comprising a neck badge in 18K Gold, a white enamelled five point star with small ball finials, the obverse medallion presenting the crowned cypher of Victor Emmanuel on a red enamelled disc encircled by a green enamelled ring dated 1911, the reverse in red bearing the inscription AL MERITO COLONIALE, the badge is surmounted by a large hollow crown, measures 53.4 mm (w) x 77.9 mm (h), weighs 14.78 grams (excluding ribbon), unmarked, enamel chip to the 12 o’clock arm on the obverse and reverse, with a crack in the enamels of the obverse medallion worn on original full length ribbon, near extremely fine. 

The Star of the Order, in silver, a five point star of faceted rays, the star in Gold a white enamelled five point star with small ball finials, the obverse medallion presenting the crowned cypher of Victor Emmanuel on a red enamelled disc encircled by a green enamelled ring dated 1911, the reverse bears a vertical pin assembly, measures 70.7 mm (w) x 68.6 mm (h), weighs 50.3 grams, enamel chip in the 12 o’clock arm, light wear, doctor enamels on the medallion denoting the set was likely not manufactured together, remains very fine condition. 

Contained in the case of the order, a red-brown leatherette case with crowned VE cypher on the lid, the interior with a silk lid marked CRAVANZOLA, with black velvet medal bed, functional clasp and hinge, measures 110 mm (w) x 220 mm (h) x 25 mm (d), edge has been scuffed and frayed, hinge connection is loose on edge resulting in an off center lid, silk covering hinge is ripped, slight discolouration to the interior, in near very fine condition.