History

The Order was founded by Joseph Bonaparte, King of Naples, and it was conferred upon loyal Italian citizens who 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 I awards were conferred during the reign of Joseph Bonaparte, as well as during the transition from Joseph Bonaparte to Joachim Murat.

The awards conferred by Joseph Bonaparte feature a surmounting gold eagle with spread wings, have the image of a prancing horse on the reverse medallion, the obverse inscription “JOSEPH NAPOLEO SICILIARUM REX INSTITUIT,” and the reverse inscription “PRO RENOVATA PATRIA.”

The awards conferred during the transition from Joseph Bonaparte to Joachim Murat feature a crowned gold eagle, have the image of a prancing horse on the reverse, and feature the obverse inscription "JOS. NAPOLEO SIC REX INS", or "JOSESPH NAPOLEO SICILIARUM REX INSTITUIT," and the reverse inscription “PRO RENOVATA PATRIA." There are several other known varieties of the obverse inscription.

The Dignitary grade was restricted to 50 members.