1901 ITALY HOUSE OF SAVOY PRAYER OF QUEEN MARGHERITA FOR UMBERTO I VERY RARE MEDAL !!
Commemorative medal featuring the "Preghiera della Regina Margherita" (Prayer of Queen Margherita), written by Margherita of Savoy in memory of her husband, King Umberto I, following his assassination in 1900.
The specific mention of "three wounds" and the sacrifice for the "homeland" strongly suggests this medal commemorates King Umberto I of Italy, the husband of Queen Margherita. He was assassinated in 1900 by an anarchist, Gaetano Bresci, who shot him multiple times. Following his death, Queen Margherita composed a famous prayer for her fallen husband, which was widely distributed on prayer cards and medals like the one i am offering.
"O Signore! Egli fece del bene in questo mondo — non ebbe rancore verso alcuno — perdonò sempre a chi gli fece del male — sacrificò la vita al dovere ed al bene della patria — fino all'ultimo respiro si studiò di adempiere la sua missione. Per quel suo sangue vermiglio che sgorgò da tre ferite, per le opere di bontà e giustizia che compì, Signore pietoso e giusto, ricevetelo nelle vostre braccia e dategli il premio eterno."
"O Lord! He did good in this world — he bore no grudge against anyone — he always forgave those who did him harm — he sacrificed his life to duty and the good of the country — until his last breath he strove to fulfill his mission. For that ruby blood that flowed from three wounds, for the works of goodness and justice he performed, merciful and just Lord, receive him into your arms and give him eternal reward."
27.5mm -8.81g