Vatican. A Mentana Cross, Type I, Official Issue
(Croce "Fidel et virtvti" detta "di Mentana). Instituted in 1867. In silver-nickel, unmarked, measuring 41.2 mm (w) x 48.5 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, very light contact, original ribbon, near extremely fine.
Footnote: The Mentana Cross was was instituted on November 14, 1867 by Pope Pius IX, in commemoration of the Battle of Mentana and the other battles that were fought to protect Rome against Garibaldi. The Cross was awarded to Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and all other ranks of men in the Papal Army and French Corps who participated in these battles.