Afrika medal and Anschluss Medal

[Farradin]

Hey, got these two medals today. What do you think about them? See anything suspicious?

Attachment 144537Attachment 144542Attachment 144534Attachment 144540Attachment 144536Attachment 144538Attachment 144539Attachment 144543Attachment 144541

[Woolgar]

Nothing suspicious from where I am sat !! Nice purchases Anton

Nick

[Adrian]

See anything suspicious?

Not from here, they both look fine. The Afrika medal looks to be the earlier bronze type (as opposed to zinc).

[Farradin]

Hi, thanks for replying! Where the Afrika medal made in 2 versions?
Which side of the medal is the frontside?

[Adrian]

Hi, thanks for replying! Where the Afrika medal made in 2 versions?
Which side of the medal is the frontside?

Hi Anton,
As far as I know the medal was made in bronze, then zinc. The front is the side with the gladiators and crocodile with the black stripe of the ribbon to the viewers left. However, both ways are acceptable.
For reference here is the arch depicted on the medal.......

[Woolgar]

Here is some info on this medal Anton:
The Italo-German Campaign Medal for service in Africa was instituted by the Italian Government to reward the achievements of Rommel's Afrika Korps. The medal was only to be awarded to German troops, the first presentations taking place in 1942. Due to Italy's withdrawal from the war and subsequent surrender, the wear of all Italian awards was prohibited in orders distributed to the German Armed Forces dated March 29th, 1944.

The Italo-German Campaign Medal was initially produced in solid Bronze, but war time shortages forced a switch to “war medal” with a Bronze finish. It measured 31mm by 31 mm, with a ribbon device that measured 6 mm in height and 18 mm in width.

The obverse of the medal is concave and features two gladiators symbolizing Italy and Germany doing battle with a crocodile, which symbolizes Britain. The reverse shows a swastika and fasces, each on one side of the Italian Felini Arch again depicting Italo-German cooperation. Under the arch is the Royal Knot of the House of Savoy. Around the rim of the reverse is the inscription “Italo-German Campaign in Africa”, in German (on the side of the swastika) and in Italian separated on top and bottom by two single leaves.

[Farradin]

Thanks again guys!

Very usefull reading, Nick!

[Woolgar]

Nice picture Adrian ! Do you know what happened to that arch or is it still standing ?

Nick

[LondonJay]

Here is some info on this medal Anton:
The Italo-German Campaign Medal for service in Africa was instituted by the Italian Government to reward the achievements of Rommel's Afrika Korps. The medal was only to be awarded to German troops, the first presentations taking place in 1942. Due to Italy's withdrawal from the war and subsequent surrender, the wear of all Italian awards was prohibited in orders distributed to the German Armed Forces dated March 29th, 1944.

The Italo-German Campaign Medal was initially produced in solid Bronze, but war time shortages forced a switch to “war medal” with a Bronze finish. It measured 31mm by 31 mm, with a ribbon device that measured 6 mm in height and 18 mm in width.

The obverse of the medal is concave and features two gladiators symbolizing Italy and Germany doing battle with a crocodile, which symbolizes Britain. The reverse shows a swastika and fasces, each on one side of the Italian Felini Arch again depicting Italo-German cooperation. Under the arch is the Royal Knot of the House of Savoy. Around the rim of the reverse is the inscription “Italo-German Campaign in Africa”, in German (on the side of the swastika) and in Italian separated on top and bottom by two single leaves.

You learn something new every day!
Great info and thanks for sharing it!
Jay.

[LondonJay]

Nice picture Adrian ! Do you know what happened to that arch or is it still standing ?

Nick

Hi Nick, the arch is no more, check this link out L'arco dei Fileni de Mussolini
Jay