Judaica / Zionism - Italy, “The Light Shall Never Be Extinguished” Medals with Seven-Branched Menorah and Broken ...

Judaica / Zionism - Italy, “The Light Shall Never Be Extinguished” Medals with Seven-Branched Menorah and Broken Axe with Swastika - circa 1945 A pair of rare Italian medals combining Jewish and universal symbolism, struck shortly after World War II to commemorate the defeat of Nazism and the rebirth of the Jewish people. Obverse: A seven-branched Menorah above the Hebrew inscription “ישראל” (Israel), surrounded by the Latin legend: “NON QVAM EXSTINGVETVR” - “It shall never be extinguished.” Signed below: A. Pagani - Milano. Reverse: Depicts a broken axe bearing a swastika, struck by a lightning bolt descending from heaven - a powerful symbol of the fall of Nazi tyranny and the triumph of divine justice. Around the edge appears the Latin motto: “SECVITVR SVPERBOS VLTOR ATERQO DEVS” - “God punishes the proud and the wicked.” The dates MDCV and MCMXLV (1605-1945) signify the endurance of faith and the continuity of Jewish survival through the ages. Right: Silvered bronze Weight: 14.651 g Diameter: 33 mm Left: Bronze Weight: 14.053 g Diameter: 33 mm