Italy, Kingdom. An Order of the Colonial Star of Italy, Grand Cross Set in Gold by Gardino, c.1935

(Ordine coloniale della Stella d'Italia). Instituted in 1914, discontinued in 1943. A lovely set comprising a Grand Cross 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 52.28 mm (w) x 76.74 mm (h), weighs 16.2 grams, marked OR on the band of the crown denoting manufacturer’s identification (“One Arezzo” which is derived from “1 AR”, the first goldsmith company in Arezzo, Italy), small enamel chips and discolouration on the arms of the star, worn on a full length original sash, connected via a thin ribbon, minor wear, in very fine condition. 

The Star of the Order, featuring a five point silver star with clusters of faceted rays, the order’s insignia superimposed on the obverse in 18K, featuring a white enamelled star with 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 features a single vertical pin with central cartouche of E. GARDINO SUCC. CRAVANZOLA ROMA, the star measures 84.28 mm (w) x 82.82 mm (h), weighs 87.15 grams, dark patina at the edge of the silver rays, light residue on the 12 o’clock white enamel arm, functional pin, in extremely fine condition. 

Contained in its original case of issue, a brown leatherette exterior impressed with the crowned VE  monogram, the interior bears a silk lid marked E.GARDINO SUCC. D. CRAVANZOLA GIOIELLIERE ROMA, with a black velvet medal bed offering a sash storage compartment underneath, measures 138 mm (w) x 312 mm (h) x 54 mm (d), exterior exhibiting heavy wear, scuffs and gouges, clasp functional, loss of silk over hinges inside, in near very fine condition.