Miniature circular gilt medal with laterally-pierced ball suspension; the face with the winged figure of Victory on a rayed background; the reverse with the arms of Portugal on a lateral band of War Crosses (Medalhas da Cruz de Guerra) and inscribed ‘MEDALHA / DA / VITORIA’; diameter 17.82mm (0.7 inch); on probably original ribbon. The idea of an inter-allied medal to commemorate victory in World War I is credited to the French Field-Marshal Foch. It was agreed that each of the Allies should issue a medal to their nationals featuring a figure representing ‘Victory’ on the front and have a symmetric double rainbow ribbon with red, the colour of courage and sacrifice at the centre, representing the colours of the allies flags and presenting an allegory of calm after storm. Portugal sent 56,000 soldiers to the Western Front in France and also fielded forces in its African colonies, Mozambique and Angola. These forces showed great bravery and endurance and suffered terribly; 8,145 men were killed, 13,751 wounded and 12,318 prisoners or missing. The rare Portuguese Victory Medal was awarded for service in the armed forces between 9 March 1916 and 11 November 1918. A first official issue was produced in small numbers by its designer, João da Silva, to be followed by a second official issue for general award, manufactured by da Costa of Lisbon whose pattern this miniature follows.
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