ITALY, Prima Esposizione Internazionale delle Industrie Marittime, Naples [First International Exhibition of Maritime Industries], 1871, a bronze medal by L. Arnaud, two female figures offering a model of a 3-masted ship to a robed female representing Italia, Neptune reclining at left, smoke emitting from Mt Vesuvius in background, rev. aerial view of the exhibition buildings, ships in harbour, sun’s rays over Mt Vesuvius, 73mm, 186.72g (Varesi 366; Wurzb. 6897). Some obverse rim nicks, otherwise very fine £120-£150

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Silich Collection of Historical and Art Medals.

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H.D. Rauch Auktion 116 (Vienna), 28 April 2003, lot 2496

This exhibition was the first of its kind to take place in Italy. Originally scheduled to open in September 1870, matters were delayed because of the Franco-Prussian War; the opening ceremony, on 17 April 1871, was performed by Victor Emanuel II.