x Italy, Accession of Umberto I and Margherita, 1878, bronze medal by Filippo Speranza, conjoined busts of Umberto I (1878-1900) and Margherita left, signed SPERANZA below, UMBERTO I RE D’ITALIA MARGHERITA DI SAVOIA REGINA, rev. Umberto I standing left, his ancestors, Carlo Emanuele I and Vittorio Emanuele II, and angel, holding wreath and shield bearing coat of arms of the House of Savoy, in the background, throne to right, with plumed cap, QUESTA E’ LA FEDE DELLA MIA CASA QUESTA SARA’ LA MIA FORZA, signed SPERANZA below, XIX GENNAIO MDCCCLXXVIII, 69mm, 142.7g (Martini 3117; Forrer V, p. 599). Wear to higher points of obverse portraits, slightest of edge knocks, otherwise good fine.

Umberto I was King of Italy from 9th January 1878, upon the death of his father, until he was assassinated in 1900. His reign oversaw the creation of the Triple Alliance between Italy, Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1882, as well as Italy’s expansion through the Horn of Africa, incorporating Eritrea and Somalia into the Italian Empire. He was succeeded by his son, Vittorio Emanuele III.

x This item is subject to 5% import duty.