Rare Isotta Fraschini Medal Discovered at Vittoriale Honors Buccari Operation
Like an inexhaustible mine, from the labyrinth of rooms, archives, and warehouses of the Vittoriale, a precious gem emerges from time to time. The latest extraordinary find, a medal minted by Isotta Fraschini, a one-of-a-kind piece in the world, is the result of the meticulous research work initiated by Dr. Antonio Spada, creator of the Museum dedicated to the «D’Annunzio soldier», inaugurated on June 1st at Schifamondo, as well as a recently appointed member (unanimously voted in by the Vittoriale’s Board of Directors) of the Scientific Committee of the D’Annunzian Foundation.
Dr. Spada, who is «permanent curator of the Museum of War and everything related to it within the Vittoriale», has been dedicating part of his time for months to exploring the imposing splendor of the Prioria’s rooms and the «archaeological» labyrinths of the Gardone monumental citadel. He investigates warehouses and cellars, accesses secret doors, and analyzes rooms that once belonged to the servants. «At the Vittoriale», says Dr. Spada, «many relocations have been made. Relics can be found everywhere, even in the most unexpected places».
During the museum setup phase, the discoveries were numerous: a large number of flags, diplomas, hand-painted parchments, two splendid bronze relief eagles created by Renato Brozzi, the «animalier» of the Vittoriale, and again uniforms, banners, and relics of all kinds that, as was the will of the poet, are now a patrimony shared by everyone and displayed in the new permanent Museum.
In a storage closet, Dr. Spada even found the only sculpture in the world made by the futurist Marinetti, an artwork donated with a dedication to the poet. Now, yet another significant discovery. Recently, his research in the inexhaustible cultural mines of the Vittoriale has yielded another fortunate find, this time in the «Stanza del Lebbroso» (“Leper Room”).
In this deeply mystical space, a small ebony altar is preserved, containing six framed medals and an empty space left by two missing medals. These two medals, which Dr. Spada found in a small clay bowl hidden behind some books, are particularly important. One of them, made of solid gold, is a very precious piece of Italian medallic art.
It was minted on behalf of the Isotta Fraschini company, which distributed it, along with a certificate, to the thirty sailors who, with their MAS boats (anti-submarine motorboats supplied with engines by Isotta Fraschini) achieved the Buccari operation, the famous «Beffa». About thirty medals were minted in gold-plated silver and in gold, the latter being the one found at the Vittoriale.
«Not only is this a unique piece», explains Dr. Spada, «but it is actually legendary, as no one has ever seen it». The front of the medal (4.4 centimeters in diameter) bears the design executed by Adolfo De Carolis on commission from the poet, as evidenced by the letter written to the artist in March 1918: «The motto is Memento Audere Semper. As for the initials that distinguish the M.a.s. corps, you need to differentiate the three words when writing them. A possible idea is to include a fist holding up an oak crown outside the wave…».
On the back of the medal, beneath the motto «Intrepida fides», is the coat of arms of Isotta Fraschini decorated with laurel branches, the inscription «Ai trenta di Buccari/10-11 febbraio 1918», and a personal dedication to D’Annunzio. The medal is, of course, already on display to the public at the Museum of War.