Description
Product Description: This Afrika Campaign Medal is a great, all-original, maker marked piece. It is an early production example, made of Tombak, a brass alloy. Both the obverse and reverse of this desirable campaign award show moderate surface wear, with scattered marks, age toning to the metal, and a nice, old patina. There is no indication this has ever been cleaned. It’s marked with the name of the manufacturer, Lorioli in Milano. The integral suspension loop retains a length of correct original ribbon, with the German and Italian national colors. The ribbon is complete, with no holes, and shows nice, even toning from age and handling. The zig-zag cut ends are neatly folded. This Afrika Campaign Medal has a great look, and was likely an issued example. The condition rates as excellent.
Historical Description: In 1942, the Italian government instituted a special campaign award to recognize the achievements and contributions of the German troops during the campaign in Africa. The Afrika Medal was designed by Roberto De Marchis. The earliest examples were struck from Tombak (Brass), while later examples were made of zinc with a bronze wash. The front of the award features the Nazi Swastika and Italian Fascist emblem, flanked with an image of the Arco del Felini, which stood in modern Libya. The inscription “Italo-German Campaign in Africa” is written both in German and Italian. The reverse of the medal shows two gladiators, representing Germany and Italy, suppresing a crocodile, which symbolizes Britain. The award was suspended from a ribbon bearing both German and the Italian national colors. The first awards of this medal took place in 1942. German soldiers were permitted to wear this award until 1944 with the surrender of Italy. On March 29, 1944, new orders prohibited German troops from wearing Italian decorations. The Africa Campaign Medal was specifically mentioned in this order.
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