Italy - An Italian medal bar?

[Ulsterman]

I got these at a flea market in the USA while on business last week. The top ribbon bar I'm certain is Italian-given the WW1 campaign medal-but the first ribbon has the look of the medal of merit-but the stripes aren't white; dye run from damp or something different?

The enamel I have no clue, but suspect is police. The WW2 US bar is a classic enlisted, wartime bar..

Any thoughts or comments?

Edited February 16, 2009 by Ulsterman

[Kev in Deva]

I got these at a flea market in the USA while on business last week. The top ribbon bar I'm certain is Italian-given the WW1 campaign medal-but the first ribbon has the look of the medal of merit-but the stripes aren't white; dye run from damp or something different?

The enamel I have no clue, but suspect is police. Tye WW2 US bar is a classic enlisted, wartime bar..

Any thoughts or comments?

Hallo Ulsterman

the ribbon was original blue with two white stripes, (and looks like a typical dye run,) and this was for the Croce Di Guerra/ Cross of War.

Established by King Vittorio Emmanuele, with Royal decree number 204 0f 19 January, 1918. This was designated a decoration to be granted at state exspence, to those who had conducted themselves " in a manner worthy of public recognition." All awards were made in the name of the king by senior officers. .

It was also issued by the Italian Republic in pre Ww2 for service in Italy's African colonys and WW2.

(please see attached photos of the two types in my collection, if you look at the IR version you can see the ghost of the III under the IR).

Kev in Deva.

Edited March 20, 2006 by Kev in Deva

[Ulsterman]

Thanks Kev:

I suspected it was as such-not bad for $1 US. I'll probably send it to Rick L. as a happy 55th birthday pressent. he likes this sort of stuff.