Italy, Kingdom. An Order Of The Crown Of Italy, III Class Commander Set, By Federico Tornotti

(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. Multi-piece construction, in 18K Gold with red, white, green, blue and black enamels, weighing 16.6 grams, unmarked, measuring 50 mm (w) x 53 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, residue evident on the blue enamels of the obverse centrepiece just above the crown, otherwise, the enamels are intact, on its original full-length neck ribbon, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, dark brown leather exterior, inside lid in maroon satin, padded and maker marked "FEDERICO TORNOTTI / ROMA - TORINO", medal bed in maroon felt, incorporating medal beds for the badge, miniature and rosette, the latter two items having been lost to time and are not included here, measuring 132.5 mm (w) x 150 mm (h) x 30.5 mm (d), exhibiting extensive wear and scuffing on the leather exterior,, the interior intact, case better than 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.