Privately Manufactured Example, Non Regulation Reverse
Key Information:
• Country: Romania
• Award Name: Virtutea Militară
• Type: Cross with Swords
• Pattern: Royal period pattern, pre 1947
• Manufacture: Privately manufactured example
• Reverse: Non regulation reverse, identical to obverse
• Material: Gilt bronze with blue, white and green enamel
• Dimensions: Approx. 73.6 mm height including wreath suspension x 42 mm width
• Weight: 58 g with ribbon
• Ribbon: Replaced ribbon
Medal Design:
Blue Maltese Cross:
Deep blue enameled cross with white borders.
Laurel Wreath:
Green enameled laurel branches surrounding the cross, symbolizing victory and merit.
Central Medallion:
Inscribed "VIRTUTEA MILITARĂ" (Military Virtue).
Three stars below the inscription.
Romanian Coat of Arms in the center.
Crossed Swords:
Positioned behind the cross, associated with wartime or combat distinction.
Reverse:
Displays the same design as the obverse, non regulation configuration compared to standard issue examples.
Suspension:
Openwork wreath style suspension ring.
Mounted on a replaced ribbon in light tone with blue edge stripes.
Condition:
• Visible enamel chipping and age related cracking
• Normal surface wear and patina
• No obvious modern repairs observed
• Ribbon replaced
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
Virtutea Militară was instituted in 1872 and remained one of Romania’s significant military distinctions throughout the Royal era.
During the late Royal period, privately manufactured examples following official patterns were produced by various workshops. These pieces may show construction or reverse variations compared to strict regulation issues.
This cross represents a Royal period pattern example with non regulation reverse, reflecting the diversity of period production.
Summary:
Romanian Virtutea Militară Cross, Royal period pattern, privately manufactured example with identical obverse and reverse. A solid multi piece construction with period character, suitable for collectors of Romanian and Eastern European militaria.