Albania, Kingdom. Three Shkoder Saverian College (Kolegia E She Francessk Saverit, Shkoder) Merit Medals

Includes:

1. Gold Grade Merit Medal, Type I (in bronze gilt, measuring 32.3 mm in diameter, original ribbon with single prong pinback);

2. Silver Grade Merit Medal, Type I (in silvered bronze, measuring 32.3 mm in diameter, original ribbon with single prong pinback, silvering wear evident on the reverse);

3. Gold Grade Merit Medal, Type II (in bronze gilt, measuring 32 mm in diameter, original ribbon with single prong pinback).

Ranging from fine to better than very fine.

Footnote: In 1877, the Jesuits opened Shkoder Saverian College, first as a trade school and then as a classic liceum after the 1912 declaration of Albania's independence from the Ottoman Empire. This was accompanied by itinerant missionary work, alongside cultural, religious, artistic, musical, and theatrical groups, and publication of the magazine Immaculate Conception. In 1944, the communists came to power. Repression and persecution of Catholics followed. Among the forty deemed martyrs in Albania during this period were Fr. Daniel Dajan, Rector of the College and Saverian Seminary. and Brother John Pantalia who ran the publishing house. The distinguished poet Ndre Mjeda taught at the Jesuit college from 1930.