Italy – Medal Pair: East Africa Campaign Medal & 16-Year Long Service Cross
Key Information:
Country: Italy
Period: Fascist Era (circa 1936–1943)
Set Includes:
East Africa Campaign Medal
16-Year Military Long Service Cross
Material: Bronze (Campaign Medal), Silvered or silver (Service Cross, marked "ARG")
Dimensions:
Campaign Medal: approx. Ø 33.37 mm
Long Service Cross: approx. 38.57 mm x 36.38 mm
Medal Design:
1. East Africa Campaign Medal (Africa Orientale):
Obverse: Bust of King Victor Emmanuel III with legend:
"VITT. EM. III RE D’ITALIA IMP. DI ETIOPIA"
Reverse: Landscape scene with fasces and motto:
"AFRICA ORIENTALE – MOLTI NEMICI MOLTO ONORE"
(“Many enemies, much honor”)
Ribbon: Blue and black striped ribbon
2. 16-Year Military Long Service Cross (XVI):
Obverse: Royal crowned monogram
Reverse: Roman numeral "XVI" in center
Markings: Suspension marked “UM / R” and “ARG” (indicating silver content)
Ribbon: Green with central yellow stripe
Condition:
Both medals in solid collectible condition
Ribbons show some age and wear; colors remain visible
All markings are clear and legible
Structurally intact, no repairs or major damage
For condition please refer to the pictures
These medals represent Italy’s colonial and military history under Fascist rule. The campaign medal commemorates Italian involvement in East Africa (Second Italo-Ethiopian War), while the service cross acknowledges long-term commitment to the armed forces. Both are iconic pieces for collectors of:
WWII Axis memorabilia
Italian royal and fascist-era orders
Colonial and African campaign medals
A genuine, original pair of Italian military medals from the interwar and WWII period. Perfect for collectors of European military history or those specializing in Italian orders and medals.
All dimensions are approx.
Please see all photos for accurate condition assessment.