Silver gilt, enamels, measures 81.8 mm in height, 46.0 mm in width, weighs 42.1 g. Multi-part construction, maker-marked on the reverse center medallion.

In fine to very fine condition. Four of the oak leaves of the wreath are missing the green enamel completely, and a fifth one - partially. There is no other wear visible to the naked eye. The double-headed eagle of the obverse center medallion is mounted tilting a little bit clockwise, which probably happened during the assembly of the badge.

Order of Skenderbeg ("Urdheri I Skenderbeut") was founded on 3 December 1925 in h

Silver gilt, enamels, measures 81.8 mm in height, 46.0 mm in width, weighs 42.1 g. Multi-part construction, maker-marked on the reverse center medallion.

In fine to very fine condition. Four of the oak leaves of the wreath are missing the green enamel completely, and a fifth one - partially. There is no other wear visible to the naked eye. The double-headed eagle of the obverse center medallion is mounted tilting a little bit clockwise, which probably happened during the assembly of the badge.

Order of Skenderbeg ("Urdheri I Skenderbeut") was founded on 3 December 1925 in honor of Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeg, a 15th century nobleman who defied the Ottoman Empire and played a pivotal role in resistance against it. It was instituted as an award bestowed upon Albanians and foreigners for meritorious service to the nation.

The order was initially established in 4 classes: Grand Ribbon with a Star, Grand Officer, Commander, and Knight. The class of Officer was introduced in 1939. On 7 April 1940, Benito Mussolini launched a military operation, against the objections of King of Italy Victor Emmanuel III, to annex Albania. Albanian resistance was minimal, and by 12 April Italian troops were in the capital Tirana, Albanian King Zog I went into exile, and Victor Emmanuel III accepted the Albanian crown. Following those events, Type 2 of the order's design was accepted which included significant re-design of the Officer badge. This allows us to date this badge precisely.

After World War II and the establishment of the communist government headed by Enver Hoxha, a new system of decorations was established in Albania. The "new" Order of Skenderbeg was founded on 13 October 1945; it had a different form and was divided in three grades. It was awarded until the fall of the communist regime in 1992.

Please note that the penny in our last photo is for size reference.
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