Includes: 1. San Marino, Republic: Military Merit Medal, III Class Bronze Grade (Medaglia al merito militare). Instituted in 1860. In bronze, measuring 32.5 mm (w) x 38.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, exhibiting scattered spotting, original ribbon.
2. International: Association of Italian Knights of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Medal of Merit for Aiding Pilgrims of the Holy Year 1975 (Medaglia di Benemerenza per il Soccorso ai Pellegrini dell’Anno Santo del 1975). Instituted in 1975. In silvered alloy, measuring 32.8 mm (w) x 37.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, original ribbon. Together, near extremely fine.
Footnotes:
1. The Military Merit Medal (AKA Long Service Medal) was instituted on March 22, 1860. Some sources state that the "Medal for Military Merit" was created in 1852 in three classes, and was extended in 1860 to include civil merit. The medal was conferred for long service and is inscribed "ANZIANITA" (Seniority) on the reverse. The ribbon on this medal was originally blue with a red edge on each side, but it is believed to have been changed to a half blue, half white ribbon, as per this example.
2. The Association of Italian Knights of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Medal of Merit for Aiding Pilgrims of the Holy Year 1975 was instituted by Magistral Decree 15277 of February 7, 1975, to be awarded to Italian Knights of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta who assisted pilgrims to Rome during the year 1975.