Rare Antique Emperor Menelik II Merit Medal First Class Gold Grade 1899 Ethiopia

Description

This is a rare antique Emperor Menelik II Merit Medal First Class Gold Grade made during 1899 in Ethiopia, Africa. This rare medal was instituted by Emperor Menelik II in 1899 to reward meritorious military and civil services. This medal is call the First Class Gold Grade Medal not meaning it is made of gold or is gold gilded as some sellers mistaken state. This is a bronze medal and is one (in fact the highest honor) of two grades of a similar medals the other being the Menelik II Merit Second Class Silver Grade Medal. On one side of this antique Emperor Menelik II Merit Medal First Class Gold Grade Medal the face / bust of Emperor Menelik II with crown is shown and on the obverse side of the coin is the Lion Of Judah.This rare medal was given attached to a ribbon with a pin but this one is only the medal which can be worn as a pendant and it is in great antique condition but does have some wear mostly to the Menelik II side which affects the visibility of the design, slight scratches and minor surface patina. It seems to have been worn as an amulet with the Menelik II side down having rubbed against the chest of the previous owner since when worn as a medal on the ribbon it would have been the Lion Of Judah side receiving the wear as the Menelik II side would have been the side showing / facing out.This is a rare antique handmade medal commissioned by Emperor Menelik II in 1899 in Africa by Ethiopian metalsmiths.This antique pendant / medal measures 1.45 inches long (including the bail) by 1.22 inches wide.This piece is a hard to find item and a very desirable Ethiopian collectible which would look great used in jewelry applications or would fit right into any Ethiopian art and history collection. I combine shipping on multiple orders so please check out my eBay store Mountainamma's Marketplace where I have thousands of items to browse. For buyers of multiple items please use the request invoice button or message me before checking out for help combining shipping fees.