Ad Altare Dei Catholic Scouting Medal (unauthenticated)

This physical item is a Catholic religious scouting medal suspended from a striped fabric ribbon. The primary components consist of a metallic cross pendant, a suspension ribbon featuring alternating vertical bands of yellow, white, red, and blue, and a top metal bar clasp bearing stamped text. The metal exhibits a muted, brass-tone finish with minor surface wear and oxidation consistent with age and storage. The pendant is formed as a Latin cross with faceted faces and decorative trefoil-style terminal ends at each arm and the base. The top bar is rectangular and prominently displays the embossed Latin inscription reading 'AD + ALTARE + DEI'. The ribbon shows some fraying at the lower edge and minor creasing from suspension. The identification of this piece is based entirely on the visible text and iconography on the medal, which are characteristic of traditional Catholic youth scouting awards, though the exact era of production remains unverified from the visual evidence alone. The craftsmanship reflects standard mass-produced military-style ribbon medals with stamped metal components.

Based on what I can see in the photograph, this piece presents as a traditional Catholic youth scouting award, specifically bearing the stamped Latin inscription 'AD + ALTARE + DEI' on the top bar. The item consists of a metallic cross pendant with faceted faces and trefoil-style terminal ends, suspended from a multi-colored striped fabric ribbon with a top metal bar clasp. The metal exhibits a muted brass-tone finish with minor surface wear and oxidation, while the ribbon shows some fraying at the lower edge and minor creasing. However, I cannot verify from a photo alone whether this is a vintage issue, a modern replica, or a reproduction, as visual evidence is insufficient to determine the exact era of production or manufacturing specifics. I would need physical inspection to confirm the metal composition, maker's marks, and overall construction quality. Assuming this functions as a standard-issue scouting medal of this type, comparable examples typically trade in a modest market range of $25 to $50, driven largely by niche collector demand for religious scouting memorabilia rather than intrinsic precious metal value. If the item were determined to be a modern reproduction, replica, or mass-market copy rather than a period piece, the value would likely decrease to the $10-$15 range. To establish a more precise evaluation and assess potential authenticity, the item would require in-person examination by a specialist familiar with fraternal and scouting insignia, alongside a detailed review of any underlying hallmarks or manufacturer documentation.