The Italy Campaign Medal 1859.
Medaille de la Campagne d'Italie 1859.

Instituted 11th August 1859, for award to members of the French expedition to Italy 1859. It is believed 120000 medals were issued.
The medal:  30mm diameter, silver, with the head of Napoleon III on the obverse with the inscription : NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR all within a wreath. Reverse: the inscription CAMPAGNE D'ITALIE over the battle honours: MONTEBELLO PALESTRO TURBIGO MAGENTA MARIGNAN SOLFERINO and the date 1859 under. The most commonly encounter model is shown below ( BARRE ) others exist signed E.F., S.F., SACRISTAN F., FALOT, and unsigned. A smaller 27mm prototype model exists. Medals are also found with pivoting crown suspensions. Ribbon; red with five white stripes. (incorrect ribbon on this example) On the Barre model expect to see an eagles head  Poinçon on the suspension.

 

 

 

French Italy Campaign Medal 1859.

Medaille de la Campagne d'Italie 1859.

 

 

 
 
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