Obverse, Victory brandishing a torch and riding on a triumphal carriage drawn by four lions |
Reverse, an Apollonine libational tripod and a cauldron at the centre with "MCMXIV" & "MCMXVIII" inscribed on either side, and with two doves with olive sprays flying above |
When the Great War of 1914-1918 had ended, there was a genuine feeling among the victorious Allies that their military efforts had been instrumental in preserving modern civilization, and this and the united spirit of the Alliance were commemorated in a combined issue of medals to those who had seen active service during the conflict. 13 nations in all issued a variety of this medal; all shared the rainbow ribbon and suspension, and all but the Japanese, who lacked a comparable symbolic figure, used a form of Victory on the obverse and a legend on the reverse.
This medal is an example of the Italian striking, and remains unnamed as issued. It cannot therefore be known to whom it was awarded. Lester Watson bought the medal from the London dealers Baldwin at some point before 1928.