Finland, Republic; Italy, Kingdom. A Pair of Axis Service Awards

A pair of Axis service awards, including:

1. A 1941-1943 Finnish Nordfront Cross, constructed of silvered tombak with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée, joined together through the quadrants by a mobile swastika with its arms bearing the raised names of key engagements, the obverse of the cross with dark blue enameled arms, bearing a central circular gilded oak leaf wreath surrounding a white enameled disc, overlaid a central Finnish coat of arms topped by the flags of both Finland and Germany, the latter flanking dates “1941-43” and circumscribed by an inscription of “POHJOISRINTAMA - DIE NORDFRONT”, the reverse with a central threaded screw post retaining an original nut, the former maker marked “HOPEATAKOMO OY, HELSINKI”, measuring 34.81 mm (w) x 34.59 mm (h), weighing 17.4 grams (inclusive of nut), demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels with loss of finish throughout the base metal, in better than very fine condition.

2. An Italian-German African Campaign Medal, constructed of bronzed zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a depiction of two gladiators (symbolizing Italy and Germany) grappling with a crocodile (symbolizing the United Kingdom), the reverse bearing a central raised depiction of the Arco dei Fileni, flanked by a fasces and swastika, and circumscribed by an inscription of “ITALIAN-GERMAN CAMPAIGN IN AFRICA” in both Italian and German, the obverse engraver marked “DE MARCHIS” and maker marked “LORIOLI, MILANO”, measuring 31.58 mm in diameter, weighing 16.8 grams (inclusive of ribbon), demonstrating total loss of bronze finish and minor surface oxidation, in very fine condition.