Italy, Kingdom. A Colonial Order of the Star of Italy, Grand Officer Breast Star, by E. Gardino Cravanzola

(Ordine coloniale della Stella d’Italia). Instituted January 18th, 1914. Constructed of silver and red, white, and green enamels, consisting of a silver breast star with five rays with six quills between the arms of the cross, with a five-pointed silver gilt star with white enameled arms and ball finials superimposed on the award, a central red enameled medallion bearing the Royal Crown and Royal cypher of King Vittorio Emanuele, surrounded by a green ring of enamels dated “1911”, the reverse plain, with a barrel hinge, tapered vertical pinback, and broad catch, a central silver medallion marked by the maker “E. Gardino Succ. Cravanzola, Roma”, measuring 65.6 mm (w) x 66.5 mm (l), weighing 43.57 grams, with a u-shaped crack in the red enamels, but otherwise a well preserved example, in better than very fine condition.

Accompanied by its presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden frame, with a lightly textured dark purple faux exterior liner, the exterior of the lid with a Royal Crown and the Royal cypher of King Vittorio Emanuele embossed in gold, the interior of the lid lined with off-white silk blended fabric, marked “CRA. Vanzola, Succ. E. Gardino, Gioielleria, Roma” in blue ink, with a functional exterior metal hinge, intact interior fabric hinge cover, functional exterior metal clasp, and recessed medal bed for placement of the award, measuring 110 mm (w) x 109 mm (l), with wear to the exterior surfaces of the case, in very fine condition.