Italy, Republic. An Order of Military Merit of the Italian Republic, III Class Commander, c.1965 Province of China at the end of the

at the end of the American Revolutionary War

reverse shows haloed Virgin Mary

Notes and an Index

obverse illustrating three bare-chested male athletes

Footnote: These medals are presented by the Imperial Sea Disaster Rescue Society and are entirely unofficial but are frequently mistaken for national awards

Italy, Republic. An Order of Military Merit of the Italian Republic, III Class Commander, c.1965 Province of China at the end of the(Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana, Commentadore). Instituted March 3rd, 1951. Type I. (c. 1960s issue). Constructed of silver gilt, consisting of a white enameled Greek cross with ball finals, and with eagles in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, both sides with a gilded five pointed star applied to the center, suspended from a hollow crown and large broad loop suspension from a period original neck ribbon, unmarked, marked 800 for