A nice plated zinc piece made by Lirioli Milan and with the maker name and designer name clearly showing. The zinc is starting to bubble slightly below the plating in a few places but this is still in much better condition than normally found. 

The medal was designed by De Marchis and was instituted by the Italian Government to reward the achievements of the Afrikakorps. Following Italy’s withdrawal from the war and subsequent surrender, the wearing of all Italian awards by Germans was prohibited in orders dated 29th March 1944. This medal was specifically mentioned in the order.