Italy - Military medal - Commemorative Cross of the 3rd CC.NN

Commemorative cross of the 3rd CC.NN. Division '3 Gennaio', a unit of the Voluntary Militia for National Security (MVSN) that took part in the Ethiopian War and in the Italian East Africa campaign (A.O.I.). A prized and VERY RARE PERFECT AND ORIGINAL IN EVERY WAY PIECE OF HIGH-CLASS COLLECTIBLE • Front: At the center of the red-enamelled cross, an upright silvered metal eagle with wings spread is superimposed. The eagle grips in its talons a block bearing the raised inscription "DIV. CC.NN. / 3 GENNAIO A.O.I.". On the eagle’s chest is a cloisonné Savoy shield with a white cross on a red field. • Reverse: The back surface is smooth, with a gold finish, and bears the legally required and production data impressed in relief on multiple lines: "DEPOSITATO A TERMINI DI LEGGE / STAB. ARTISTICI FIORENTINI / FIRENZE". • Dimensions and Materials: The cross is made of gold-colored metal (bronze/brass alloy) with translucent red enamels of excellent workmanship and silvered inserts for the eagle. From measurements with a ruler, the cross is about 35-36 mm in width and height, a typical standard for high-quality productions of this type of divisional decorations. • Ribbon: It is supplied with its original (period) ribbon with traditional colors, characterized by vertical red bands with a central tricolor stripe (green, white, red). The medal was produced by the prestigious Stabilimenti Artistici Fiorentini based in Florence. • This brand (Stab. Artistici Fiorentini - Firenze) is highly sought after by militaria and phaleristics collectors of the Kingdom of Italy. • Unlike cheaper or mass productions, the Florentine shop was renowned for the very high artistic quality of the castings, the sharpness of the sculpted eagle details, and the meticulous enameling fired by kiln, elements that make pieces from this foundry particularly appreciated on the antique market. • Overall condition: Excellent. The red enamels are intact, with no obvious chipping or deep cracks. The gilding and the silvered details of the eagle retain a splendid original patina. • Ribbon: Shows normal signs of aging and era-appropriate junctions, consistent with an authentic piece and not tampered. • Rarity: This specific division-type related to the A.O.I. campaign and produced by Stabilimenti Artistici Fiorentini enjoys good rarity on the collectible market compared with common inter-forces commemorative medals, as it was privately commissioned or by division commands for veterans. • In the current circuit of Italian military collecting and phaleristic auctions, a cross of this type, complete with an era-correct ribbon and in excellent preservation, is PARTICULARLY RARE. • • The photos accompanying this listing form an integral part of it and are real, documenting the object on auction and its state of use.

Estimate:£885.34

View all items fromCatawikiorMedals, Arms & Armour