Italy, Kingdom. An Order Of The Crown, Ii Class Grand Officer, By E.gardino, C.1945

(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. Badge: in 18K Gold with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, unmarked, weighing 15.1 grams, measuring 50.3 mm (w) x 52.7 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, on its full-length neck ribbon; and Breast Star: insignia in 18K Gold with red, white, blue, green and black enamels, mounted to a silver eight-pointed faceted star base, the points finished with ball finials, maker marked "E. GARDINO SUCC. CRAVANZOLA ROMA" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 77.5 mm (w) x 77 mm (h), vertical pinback. Intact enamels, extremely fine. In their hardshelled case of issue, cypher of King Vittorio Emanuelle III in gold-coloured ink on the lid, maker marked "CRAVANZOLA Succ. E. Gardino Gioielleria ROMA" on the padded white cotton inside lid, black felt base incorporating recessed beds for the badge and breast star, measuring 105 mm (w) x 217 mm (h) x 40 mm (h), scuffing and wear evident on the exterior, case 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.