Italy – Fascist: Commemorative Medal of the Battle of the Ionian Sea or Cape Matapan in 1941. On incorrect ribbon.
Condition: on incorrect ribbon, Good Very Fine
This unofficial medal commemorating the Battle of Cape Matapan (1941) has an obverse depicting an octopus (symbolizing the Royal Navy) being attacked by a dagger-wielding hand, with the word 'VINCERE'. The reverse shows two warships and three aircraft, with the inscription 'NON SI VIE NE INPUNEMENTE CONTRO LE COSTE D'ITALIA' and 'BATTAGLIA DELLO JONIO'. Curiously, it also includes the date '8-9 LUGLIO XVIII', which may refer to a different action or be a propaganda inaccuracy, despite the medal being associated with the March 1941 Battle of Cape Matapan. The medal is approximately 32mm in diameter and is suspended from a ribbon with Italian and German flag colors, mirroring the Axis Medal ribbon
