History

This Medal was founded as a commemorative medal by Victor Emmanuel III, and it was awarded to Navy and Amy personnel who participated in the suppression of the 1900-1901 Boxer Rebellion in northern China. It was also conferred upon civilian personnel who had rendered aid throughout the campaign.

On April 23, 1903, a Royal Decree was passed that established a new variation of the Medal. This second issue was awarded to the military and civilian personnel who had serviced in China following December 31, 1901.

Thus the Medal was awarded in two main versions. The medals issued first in 1901, and the medals issued second in 1903.

The medals issued first may feature the stamped mark "REGIA ZECCA," "S.J.," or no mark at all, and they all have the reverse inscription “CINA 1900-1901”. The medals stamped "S.J." may have either a left-facing portrait of Victor Emmanuel on the obverse medallion or a right facing portrait. The ribbon may be decorated with a clasp reading "CINA 1900-1901." The presence of the clasp may increase the overall cost of the medal.

The medals issued second are stamped by the Royal Mint “REGIA ZECCA”, and they do not include the date range "1900-1901" in the reverse inscription.

The Medal ceased to be awarded following March 31, 1908.