Original Italian campaign medal group, East Africa and War Volunteers
Key Information:
• Country: Italy
• Period: 1935–1936 (Ethiopian Campaign), WWII period (A.O.I.)
• Material: Bronze
• Diameter: approx. 33.38 mm (Ethiopian Medal), approx. 32.51 mm (Volontari A.O.I.)
• Original ribbons present
Medal Design:
Ethiopian Campaign Medal 1935–1936
Obverse inscription in Italian:
“VITT · EM · III · RE · D’ITALIA · IMP · D’ETIOPIA”
Translation:
“Victor Emmanuel III, King of Italy, Emperor of Ethiopia”
Reverse inscription in Italian: “AFRICA ORIENTALE” “MOLTI NEMICI MOLTO ONORE”
Translation: “East Africa” “Many enemies, much honor”
The medal commemorates the Italian campaign in East Africa (1935–1936). The reverse features stylized fasces and landscape with Mussolini’s signature.
Volontari di Guerra A.O.I. Medal
Obverse inscription in Italian: “PER L’ITALIA”
Translation: “For Italy”
Reverse inscription in Italian: “VOLONTARI DI GUERRA A.O.I.”
Translation: “War Volunteers, Italian East Africa”
A commemorative medal awarded to war volunteers serving in Africa Orientale Italiana (A.O.I.) during the WWII period.
Condition:
• Both medals show age-related patina
• Minor surface marks consistent with age
• No major damage observed
For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
These medals represent two important chapters of Italian military history:
• The 1935–36 Ethiopian Campaign
• Italian East Africa volunteer service during WWII
Together they form a historically coherent East Africa-related medal group, desirable for collectors of Italian WWII and colonial campaign decorations.
Summary:
Original Italian medal lot consisting of Ethiopian Campaign Medal 1935–36 and Volontari di Guerra A.O.I. medal. A solid addition to any collection of Italian military or colonial-era decorations.