Albania, Kingdom. An Order Of Skanderbeg, Officer Badge, C.1935

(Urdhëri i Skënderbeut). Instituted in 1925. Type I (1925-1940). In silver gilt with red, green and white enamels, maker marked "E. GARDINO SUCC. CRAVANZOLA ROMA" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 45.8 mm (w) x 79.8 mm (h), vertical pinback, chipping evident in the green enamels on the wreath of oak leaves in multiple locations, better than very fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, Albanian coat-of-arms on the lid, maker marked "CRAVANZOLA Succ. E. Gardino Gioielleria ROMA" on the inside lid, lightly soiled recessed medal bed, scuffing and wear evident on the exterior, wear evident in the fabric overlying the hinged area, case fine.

Footnote: The Order of Skanderbeg was instituted in 1925 by President Ahmed ben Zogu as an order of merit and amended in 1940 under Italian rule. It was originally awarded in four classes: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander and Member, with an Officer class being added in 1940. It was replaced by the Communist government in 1945 with a new award of the same name. Skanderbeg is the national hero of the Albanian people. The Albanian royal family currently maintains the Order of Skanderbeg as a dynastic order, which has only been awarded to a select number of people since the fall of the monarchy in 1939. This order should not be mistaken for the award of the same name, which is currently given by the head of the Republic of Albania.