Description
China Boxer Campaign Medal 1900 official awarded medal by Regia Zecca
Medaglia Commemorative della Campagna in Cina.
This is the 2nd Issue reading only “Cina” on reverse struck by the Royal Mint or “Regia Zecca”, there were only about 736 issued, compared to about 2400 of the 1st type.
Founded as a commemorative medal by Victor Emmanuel III, and awarded to Navy and Amy personnel who participated in the suppression of the 1900-1901 Boxer Rebellion in northern China. It was also conferred upon civilian personnel who had rendered aid throughout the campaign.
On April 23, 1903, a Royal Decree was passed that established a new variation of the Medal. This second issue know as the “Variante CINA” was awarded to the military and civilian personnel who had served in China following December 31, 1901, as long as they were confirmed to be “Sul piede di guerra” or “On the Warpath”.
The first issue medals are by "REGIA ZECCA", "S.J.", or no mark at all, and they all have the reverse inscription “CINA 1900-1901”. The medals stamped "S.J." may have either a left-facing portrait of Victor Emmanuel on the obverse medallion or a right facing portrait.
This is the rarer medal issued second by the Royal Mint “REGIA ZECCA”, without dates .
With frayed original ribbon
