Gilt bronze Maltese cross with laterally-pierced ball suspension; the face with a circular central medallion bearing the initials ‘RI’ (for Repubblica Italiana); the reverse with a circular central medallion bearing the letters ‘XXV’ (for 25 years’ service); slight age oxidisation; on original slightly faded ribbon. The Cross was created on 10 February 1953, modelled on the royal award founded in 1900, to recognise long service and good conduct in the Italian military services. A good example.
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