1890/322

Copper Medal: Italian medal struck during the period when the French, under Napoleon, held dominion

Classification:- Event; Commemorative

Country of Origin:- Italy -

Description

This is one of the very few Italian medals which were chiefly struck during the period when the French, under Napoleon, held dominion. The revival of the Papal power, followed by the edicts of Pius VII. in 1814 and 1821, extinguished most of the Masonic Lodges in Italy, and though subsequently a number of new Lodges have come into existence there are as yet few or no new medals.

Properties

Obverse—A pyramidal stone or perfect ashlar, with the square and compasses and a small rough ashlar on the right, and a gavel, level, role, and scroll on the left; above is a five-pointed blazing star. In exergue, in two lines, “[ ] Ecossaise Napoleon” (Scottish Lodge of Napoleon). Legend, “Nova Lux Oculis Effulsit Et Ingens” (A new and great light has shone upon our eyes).

Reverse—The square and compasses, surrounded by a wreath of oak, and enclosing the letter “N.” In exergue, in two lines, “0 .’. De Livourne 5807” (Orient of Leghorn, 1807). Legend, “

Engraved in T. N. N., Plate 23, Fig. 15. Silence. Amitie, Bienfaisance” (Silence, friendship, benevolence).