Gilt-edged white enamel cross pattée with gilt knots between the arms, on laterally-pierced ball suspension; the face with a central circular deep blue enamel medallion bearing the gilt crown of Savoy with red, white and green jewels, encircled by a gilt ring; the reverse with a gilt central circular medallion bearing a crowned black enamel eagle, an oval red enamel shield with a white enamel cross on its breast; on original faded ribbon. A miniature of identical design, diameter 16.28mm (0.64 inches); a slight chip to the lower edge of the right arm of the reverse; on original ribbon. An original buttonhole rosette. All in very fine original fitted, embossed leather case of issue by S. Johnson of Milan and Rome, the crowned cipher of King Vittorio Emanuele in gilt metal on the lid, with catch in working order, a few marks to the case and scratches to the base, size 112.69mm (4.43inches) by 140mm (5.51 inches). The Order was established on 20 February 1868 by Vittorio Emanuele II, first king of unified Italy to commemorate unification (though it was only in 1870 that the Papal States and Rome joined the union). It was intended to reward outstanding service to Italy and was open equally to Italian and non-Italian citizens. It became obsolete with the dissolution of the Italian monarchy at the end of World War II and has not been issued since. This is probably the finest knight’s set of this order we have seen.
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