Italy, Kingdom. An Order of the Colonial Star, Grand Cross Set with Rare Large Star, in Gold, by Cravanzola, c.1938

(Ordine coloniale della Stella d'Italia). Instituted in 1914, discontinued in 1943. A Grand Cross Set, comprising a sash badge, in Gold and multi coloured enamels, featuring a five point white star with ball finials with central medallion featuring the crowned VE cypher and date 1911 below, the reverse featuring a red enamelled disc inscribed AL MERITO COLONIALE, surmounted by a large hollow crown, measures 51.9 mm (w) x 76.4 mm (h - inclusive of crown), weighs 14.8 grams, worn on a full length original sash, enamels intact, light wear, extremely fine. 

The Star of the Order, a scarce ‘large’ issue awarded in the late 1930s, a silver five point star with clusters of seven faceted rays, the obverse features a superimposed Gold Star of white enamels with ball finials, a red and green enamelled central disc with crowned VE monogram and date 1911, reverse presents a single vertical pin assembly, makers cartouche of CRAVANZOLA, measures 84.7 mm (w) x 82.0 mm (h), weighs 89.8 grams, enamel chip on 5 o’clock arm near medallion, light war, dark patina around the tips of the rays, in extremely fine condition. 

Contained in a large original case of issue, in brown leatherette, marked with a crowned VE cypher on the lid, the interior lid is marked E. GARDINO SUCC. D. CRAVANZOLA GIOIELLERE ROMA, black velvet base with ribbon compartment below, measures 135 mm (w) x 310 mm (l) x 57 mm (d), functional hinge and clasp, scuffing on exterior around the corners and on the left side, remains very fine.