32mm x 29mm
Knight’s breast badge, the silver crown with ten points surmounted by the Napoleonic eagle and suspension ring with original ribbon in orange and green; the crown bearing a small gold head of Napoleon I on the crown in an oval surround and, beneath, the the band of the crown inscribed for an Italian recipient ‘DIO ME LA DIEDE GUAIA CHI LA TOCCA’ (God gave it to me, let him beware who touches it). Original riband, minor blue enamel losses commensurate with age.
Instituted by Napoleon on 5 June 1805 at Milan as an award to individuals, French or Italian, who had rendered distinguished service in the Army, Civil Administration, or in Arts and Letters. Awarded in two classes; Commander (gold) and Knight (silver). Upon the downfall of Napoleon I and the annexation of the Province of Lombardy by Austria, Emperor Francis I re-established the Order in Austria on 12 February 1816.