Italy, Kingdom. An Order Of The Crown Of Italy, Ii Class Grand Officer Star, By Cravanzola

(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. Insignia in 18K Gold with red, white, green and blue enamels, affixed to an eight-pointed star base, the star with radiating facets and incorporating ball finials on the points, maker marked "A. ISABELLA / SUCCESSOREA A. TOVAGLIERI / MILANO" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 74.8 mm (w) x 75 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, maroon dimpled exterior, monogram of King Victor Emmanuel III in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in white satin, padded and bearing a foil jeweller's label inscribed "GIOIELLERIA - ARGENTERIA / CRAVANZOLA / SUCC. GARDINO / VIA DEL CORSO, 340-341 / ROMA", the base with a raised platform in beige felt and incorporating a slotted medal bed, measuring 105.5 mm (w) x 105.5 mm (h) x 34.2 mm (d), scuffing evident on the exterior, the interior with wear present in the white satin overlying the hinged area, the medal bed lightly soiled, case very fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown of Italy was founded as a national order in 1868 by King Vittorio Emanuele III, 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.