MENTANA CROSS, model 1867, awarded on June 26, 1868, to Jean POIGEAUD, remount cavalryman, Second Empire. 29901

MENTANA CROSS, 1867 model, awarded on June 26, 1868 to Jean POIGEAUD, remount cavalryman, Second Empire. 29901

Mentana Cross, "FIDEI ET VIRTUTI" medal, model for the troops made of maillechort. Complete with its white ribbon with two sky blue stripes.
Height 4.7 cm, width 4 cm.

Diploma awarded to Jean POIGEAUD, of the 3rd remount cavalry company, on June 26, 1868.

France.
Second Empire.
Medal in very good condition, ribbon faded. Diploma in fair condition with stains and moisture damage.

HISTORY:
Created by Pope Pius IX on November 14, 1867 to commemorate the victory of Mentana (November 13, 1867) in which Garibaldi was defeated. Its ribbon is white, divided into five vertical bands by two sky blue stripes. There are two clasps (Mentana and Roma).
It was awarded to the French troop corps of General de Polhes' brigade (four battalions of the 1st, 29th, and 59th Infantry Regiments and the 2nd BCP), as well as to the units of the Papal troops, including the Zouaves. The Imperial government accepted the decoration on March 3, 1868 and authorized its wearing by French military personnel.