I would be interested to hear any thoughts as to the purpose of these two small medallions – my idea is that they were perhaps intended as fobs for pocket watch chains.
Both commemorate visits to, or other events associated with, the Mostra della Rivoluzione Fascista – the Exhibition of the Fascist Revolution – which was held in Rome at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni from 1932 to 1934. The round medallion shows the special façade which was created for the duration of the exhibition (this video shows the building today and provides a ‘guided tour’ of the Mostra della Rivoluzione Fascista: Terragni, La Sala "O", Mostra della Rivoluzione fascista, Roma 1932 (tesi di laurea) - YouTube)
The round medal was created for the Instituto del Nastro Azzurro (Institute of the Blue Ribbon), an association of those decorated for valour, which was founded in Rome on March 26, 1923 and still exists today (www.istitutonastroazzurro.org) . The medallion celebrates the 1st national gathering of those decorated for valour, in Rome on 28 October of EF XI, the 11th year of the Fascist Era or 1933 in the pre-revolutionary calendar.
The square medallion is from the same year and I believe commemorates the visit of members of the Ansaldo works branch of the Opera Nazionale Dopolavoro (OND), the Fascist leisure and recreational organization. Ansaldo (Ansaldo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia), was a major engineering company (1853-1993), responsible for the manufacture of aircraft, railway locomotives, cars, tanks etc.
I collect anything related to the Mostra della Rivoluzione Fascista so was delighted to obtain these two small souvenirs.
Regards,
Philip
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