Italy, Kingdom. A Militare Al Valore, Gold Grade, C.1940

(Medaglia d'oro al valore militare). Instituted in 1793. In bronze gilt, measuring 35.5 mm (w) x 41.3 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, edge nicks, light contact, original ribbon, better than very fine.

Footnote: The Gold Medal of Military Valour was established on May 21, 1793 by King Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia "....per bassi ufficiali e soldati che avevano fatto azioni di segnalato valore in guerra" (for deeds of outstanding gallantry in war by junior officers and soldiers). During the Second World War, the medal was awarded to soldiers of the Royal Italian Army. After these forces were re-organized following the Armistice with Italy in 1943, it was awarded to members of the Allies-supporting Italian Co-Belligerent forces. The Axis-affiliated Italian Social Republic created another design of the medal, with a Gladius replacing the arms of Savoy, for members of the Esercito Nazionale Repubblicano from 1943 to 1945. This version of the award was not given recognition by the postwar Italian government.