Italy, Kingdom. An Order Of The Iron Crown, Commander, By Bacqueville, C.1870

(Ordine della Corona Ferrea). Instituted in 1805 by Napoleon Bonaparte under his title of King Napoleon I of Italy. Type I (1806-1809). Italian Version. Of Bacqueville late production (c.1870), a highly scarce badge in silver gilt, presenting a gilt facing left late Imperial eagle with highly detailed feathers and wings, along with a gilt facing left Napoleon-head variety with enameled green laurel crown, encompassing with partially enameled Lombardy crown tipped with ball finials, with Italian emperor motto DIO ME LA DIEDE - GUARDA CHI LA TOCCA (God gave it to me; who touches it, beware) , denoting the nationality of the holder, mounted with a smooth ring such as later Bacqueville variants, measuring 35.45 mm (w) x 49.10 mm (h), with modest enamel loss and cracking, minor surface wear, with slightly bent tips, extraordinary piece in very good condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Iron Crown was founded on June 5, 1805, by Napoleon, King of Italy, who wore the insignia next to the Legion of Honor. An allusion to the crown of the Kings of the Lombards, said to contain the melted metal from a nail of the True Cross, this order was established to reward civil and military services rendered to the Italian crown.