Italy: Medal of the University Battalion “Curtatone andMontanara” for the Ethiopian Campaign 1935-36. Scarce silver medal(34 mm) of the University Battalion “Curatone and Montanara,” which was part ofthe 6th CC.NN. “Tevere” (Blackshirt)Division, for service during the invasion and conquest of Ethiopia. The6th Blackshirt Division was composed of veterans of the First World War,Italian citizens living abroad without any military experience and othervolunteers that were less combat ready that other Blackshirt Divisions. The University Battalion “Curtatone andMontanara” was filled with volunteer idealistic, neo-fascist universitystudents from universities of Bologna, Ferrara, Modena, Padua, Pavia, Pisa,Siena and Trieste. The Battalion had 36 officers, 35 non-commissioned officersand 854 enlisted men, and participated in several battles on the Somali front.Medal in extremely fine condition; maker-marked “R.IST.ARTE-FIRENZE”;hallmarked “925” for silver; on what is believed to be the correct replacement ribbon. Authenticity guaranteed; 14-day return privilege (30 days overseas),excluding postage, provided item is returned in same condition when sold. Itemwill be shipped USPS First Class Mail; will combine postage for multiplepurchases.
