Italian Merit Order Star--Possible Chinese origin copy ?

[922F]

Several eBay vendors offer a first type Republic of Italy Order of Merit star at prices ranging from US$45 to US$150. The same, usually Chinese-based, vendors supply copy republican Chinese, fantasy, and other decorations leading one to suspect that these Order of Merit stars are also recent copies made in China. The dull metal body stars have relatively good quality, vitreous [fired] or hard enamel. Overall, especially reverse, finishing compares poorly with original Italian-made pieces. The star rays do not correspond to those of genuine insignia in appearance or execution. Almost all Italian-made stars are silver and usually so marked.

Here's an image of a suspect Italian Merit Order, first type star:

and an image of the reverse:

Edited February 27, 2012 by 922F

[Elmar Lang]

Definitely a poor copy from the far east...

[paul wood]

Definitely a poor copy from the far east...

God those infernal Chinese fakers will be faking British WWII medals next (probably already have).

Paul