#30 • French 1859 Italian Campaign Commemorative Medals

Part of British & World Medals (live auction by Bannerman Auctions)

High bid $325.00

Status: Sold

French 1859 Italian Campaign Commemorative Medals Group of 3 French Commemorative Medals for the 1859 Italian campaign including: 1.) Commemorative Medal Of The Italian Campaign 1859 with crown attachment. Medal exhibits some slight wear and exhibits even toning/tarnish and is in very good condition. Medal present correct ribbon. 2.) Commemorative Medal Of The Italian Campaign 1859. Medal exhibits some slight wear and exhibits spotty toning/tarnish and is in very good condition. Medal present correct ribbon. 3.) Commemorative Medal Of The Italian Campaign 1859 with newer "ITALIE" bar. Medal exhibits some slight wear and exhibits even toning/tarnish and is in fine condition. Medal present correct ribbon (newer replacement). Estimate: $200 - $300 Historical Background: The Commemorative Medal of the 1859 Italian Campaign was established by Imperial Decree on August 11, 1859, by the French Second Empire. It was created to reward all soldiers and sailors who participated in the Italian Campaign of 1859, a three-month conflict in which French losses amounted to 8,000 dead and 40,000 wounded. Nearly 120,000 medals were awarded, recognizing combat service at battles such as Montebello, Palestro, Turbigo, Magenta, Marignan, and Solferino. The medal is no longer awarded. The medal typically features the relief inscription "NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR" surrounded by a laurel wreath on the obverse, and the circular relief inscription "CAMPAGNE D'ITALIE 1859" within the wreath on the reverse. It originally hung from a 36 mm wide silk moiré ribbon with six red stripes and five white stripes. A notable variant, known as the "100 guards" variant, includes the imperial crown as an integral part of the suspension ring.