Very Scarce Order of the Crown of Italy, Knights Medal: Gilt-edged white enamel cross pâté alisée with gilt knots between the arms, on laterally-pierced ball suspension; the face with a circular central 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 circular central medallion bearing a crowned black enamel eagle, an oval red enamel shield with a white enamel cross on its breast. 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. Mini Medal Has Crown Device