Parade Mounted Afrika Campaign Medal

Product Description: A single parade mounted Afrika Campaign Medal is very desirable and not at all common. This example is choice. The medal itself is an early issue type, struck from Tombak. It is very clean, and completely mint. The original ribbon is intact and shows only minor age toning. The ribbon is set up as a single parade mount, as would be worn on a dress or parade uniform. The mount features a wire pin and catch, and is likely of Italian origin. This Afrika Campaign Medal is in near mint overall condition, and in a very desirable configuration. It’s a perfect representative example of this sought-after campaign award.

Historical Description: In the spring of 1942, the Italian government instituted a special campaign award to recognize the achievements of German troops in the campaign in Africa. It was designed by Roberto De Marchis. Early examples were struck from Tombak, while later examples were made of zinc with a bronze wash. The front of the award depicts a Nazi Swastika and Italian Fascist emblem, flanking an image of the Arco del Felini, which stood in modern Libya. The inscription “Italo-German Campaign in Africa” is rendered in both German and Italian. The reverse of the medal shows two gladiators, representing Germany and Italy, doing battle with a crocodile, symbolizing Britain. The award was suspended from a ribbon bearing both the German and the Italian national colors. The first awards of this medal took place in 1942. Because Italy was a German ally, German soldiers were permitted to wear this award. That changed in 1944 with the surrender of Italy. On March 29, 1944. new orders prohibited German troops from wearing Italian decorations. The Africa Campaign Medal was specifically mentioned in this order.

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