Italy “squadra sommergibili”

[A.Kich]

Hello, I would greatly apreciate any opinion about authencity of this medal/order.

[A.Kich]

Reverser:

[Kev in Deva]

Hallo A.Kich,

welcome to the Forum, Beautiful looking piece, off the top of my head a literal translation would be: "Squadron Submersibles" i.e, submarine squadron, the dolphin is a symbol used by the Italians for submariners. Appears to be Hallmarked silver, and with the crown, appears to be from the period of WW1-WW2, the Italians were prolific makers of military unit commemorative medals and insignia, many official and unofficial, but tolerated, this might have been worn as jewelry by a sailor or given to his girlfriend.

Kevin in Deva.

[A.Kich]

Kevin in Deva. Many thanks for the answer.

[Aurora]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I'd like to help you. 11 FI is the hallmark used to identify Barlacchi ( later Picchiani and Barlacchi), a well-know Italian silversmith. Your medal was made between 1935 and 1944.

Aurora

[A.Kich]

Thanks. Me interests, it is the award or a souvenir?

[Aurora]

Your item is not a souvenir. It is an unofficial medal. It was a very common praxis but you do not think your item is common. Italian silversmiths minted a lot of medals ( for colonial battalions, submariners, infantry regiments, etc...) . They minted a lot of different medals but all in few quantities. Some medals were recognized and others were simply tolerated. Some colonial battalion medals are very expensive and there is a real psychosis about them. You can find the same medal made of bronze or silver ( sometimes in gold). Silver medals/badges were usually minted for officers. Soldiers usually received bronze ones. This is not a rule but you should keep it in mind when you see these items.

I collect European and Soviet awards/badges and I had to understand this lesson when I faced Italian decorations/ badges.

Hope this helps.

Aurora

[A.Kich]

Aurora Many thanks.