History

The Order was founded by Joseph Bonaparte, King of Naples, and it was conferred upon Italian citizens who were loyal to him, and cooperated throughout his reign.

The Order continued to be awarded by Joachim Murat and Ferdinand I, but the awards underwent many small design alterations throughout their reigns. Ultimately, the Order was discontinued by Ferdinand I in 1819.

The Type III awards were conferred from 1815-1819, during the reign of Ferdinand I.

These awards feature a surmounting crowned Fleur-de-Lys, the image of a Fleur-de-Lys on the obverse medallion, the obverse inscription “FERDIN BORBON UTR SIC REX P.F.A.” and the reverse inscription “FELICIT RESTIT JUN MDCCCXV.È

There may also be examples of the Type III awards which feature the Italian obverse and reverse inscriptions from the Type II awards "GIOACCHINO RE DI NAPOLI," and "PRO RENOVATA PATRIA."

The Commander grade was restricted to 100 members.