Impresa di Fiume Commemorative Medal, Bronze Issue, 38.96 mm
Key Information:
• Country: Italy
• Event: Occupation / Liberation of Fiume
• Date on medal: XII Settembre MCMXIX (12 September 1919)
• Diameter: approx. 38.96 mm
• Material: Bronze
• Ribbon: Tricolor ribbon present
Medal Design:
Obverse:
Winged eagle standing above a Roman-style fasces with crossed arms holding daggers.
Inscription: HIC MANEBIMUS OPTIME
Translation: “Here we shall remain most fittingly” – a classical Roman phrase adopted by Gabriele d’Annunzio.
Reverse:
Inscription: AI LIBERATORI XII SETTEMBRE MCMXIX
“ To the Liberators – 12 September 1919 ”
Lower inscription: FIUME D’ITALIA
Historical Context:
This medal commemorates the occupation of Fiume (today Rijeka, Croatia) led by nationalist poet and war hero Gabriele d’Annunzio in September 1919.
Following World War I, Italy claimed Fiume, but it was not granted at the Paris Peace Conference. D’Annunzio and his volunteers seized the city, proclaiming it Italian.
The medal became a symbolic piece associated with the Fiume expedition and early Italian nationalist movements.
Condition:
• Honest bronze patina
• Natural age toning
• Minor edge marks consistent with age
• No visible casting bubbles or seam lines
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Collectibility & Market Insight:
Fiume medals are historically significant and strongly collectible among:
• Italian nationalist history collectors
• Interwar European political memorabilia collectors
• D’Annunzio-related collectors
• Early 20th century Italian medal specialists
They are not extremely rare, but they are increasingly sought after due to growing interest in interwar European history.
Summary:
Original Italian bronze commemorative medal issued for the 1919 Fiume expedition. Strong historical symbolism, attractive patina, and desirable size (approx. 39 mm). A solid collectible example of early 20th century Italian political-medallic art.