This is an authentic WW2 Italian/Nazi Germany African campaign medal commemorating the actions of Field Marshall Erwin Rommel's DAK, Deutsche Afrika Korps (German Africa Corps) & symbolized the alliance between Italy & Germany in the North African theater. It was instituted by Benito Mussolini in the spring of 1942 as a foreign war decoration.
German personnel were given pre-authorization to accept and wear the medal but after Italy’s capitulation and declaration of war against Germany in September 1943, further wear of any Italian decorations or awards was prohibited.
Of Interest - The Feleni arch, as depicted on the reverse, was erected by Mussolini on the border between the Libyan provinces of Tripolitania and Cyrenaica in 1937 making it a most suitable emblem for this award.
Description: Die struck tombac medal w/an integral ribbon suspension bar & ribbed rayon ribbon in both the German and Italian national colors.
Obverse: Features two embossed, high relief, stylized gladiators, representing Germany and Italy, slaying a crocodile, representing Great Britain. Also embossed w/designer's and manufacturer's names, "De Marchis" and "Lorioli Milano".
Reverse: Features an embossed likeness of the Arco dei Feleni, a triumphal arch erected in Italian Libya, flanked by the Italian fasces on one side and the German swastika on the other. The outer border has embossed script in both Italian (Campagna Italo-Tedesca in Africa) and German (Italienisch-Deutscher Feldzug in Afrika). "Italian-German Campaign in Africa".
Measurements (approximate): 1 1/4" diameter
—————————————————————
WW2 (Nazi Germany) - Authentic
Italian/Nazi Germany African
Campaign Medal
$175.00 (Firm)
Instituted by Benito Mussolini in spring
1942 as a foreign war decoration.
Commemorates actions of Erwin
Rommel's Africa Corps in N. Africa theater.
—————————————————————
