Italy, Kingdom. A Medal of Aeronautic Valour, II Class Silver Grade

(Medaglia al valore aeronautico). Instituted in 1927. In silvered tombac, un-named, obverse illustrating the Savoy Cross surmounted by a spead-winged eagle, with the Crown of Savoy above and the inscription "AL VALORE AERONAVTICO" below, reverse illustrating two fasces, the left one up and the right one down, with the area in between dedicated to the engraving of the recipient's name along with the place and date of the award, measuring 32.5 mm (w) x 37.7 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, very light contact, original ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Medal of Aeronautic Valour was instituted by decree of King Victor Emmanuel III on November 27, 1927. Proposals for a medal awarded to aviators had begun as early as 1913 but were put on hold with the outbreak of the First World War. The criteria for conferral remained virtually unchanged until 1939, when a decree restricted its award solely to members of the Italian military. In 2010, the medal was absorbed into the Italian Military Code. The principal change was the restoration of eligibility to civilians. Prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, the recipients were primarily those who had distinguished themselves in air races or had set speed and distance records. However, the medal was also awarded for participation in daring air rescues. Today, it is awarded for acts and enterprises of singular courage and skill aboard an aircraft in flight, in three grades: I Class Gold Grade, II Class Silver Grade and III Class Bronze Grade. The medal can be conferred on both Italian and foreign persons and entities and on both civilians and members of the Italian armed forces. It can also be awarded posthumously.