Ethiopia, Kingdom. A Eritrea Medal of Haile Selassie I, II Class Silver Grade

In silvered bronze, measuring 40.7 mm (w) x 58 mm (h), contact marks and silvering wear evident, original ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: The Eritrea Medal was instituted by Emperor Haile Selassie I in 1952, to recognize the services of those involved in the struggle to re-unite Eritrea with the Ethiopian Fatherland. The medal was awarded in three classes: I Class Gold Grade, II Class Silver Grade and III Class Bronze Grade. Eritrea was joined in federation with Ethiopia after the Second World War but in 1960, the Eritrean parliament voted unanimously for independence. There followed a long and bitter war for independence that ended only in 1991. Eritrea became independent on May 24, 1993 but war broke out again from 1998 to 2000 and many issues remain unresolved.