(Croce per anzianità di servizio). Instituted in 1900. In silver, measuring 32.5 mm (w) x 32.5 mm (h), very light contact, original ribbon, near extremely fine.
Footnote: The Long Service Cross, Silver Grade was instituted on November 8, 1900 by Royal decree no. 358 and awarded to non-commissioned officers and soldiers who served actively for at least sixteen years in the Royal Army, the Navy and later, the Air Force. Silver Grade Crosses for Service Seniority, with or without the crown, with the Roman numerals XXV on the reverse, as per this example, do not respect the Royal decree and, therefore, can be considered improper. However, these versions were often awarded and found in the collections of medals of the period, from different manufacturers.

