Montenegro 1779. CNI 86. Paolucci II 139. Very rare.

Beautiful patina from an old collection.

q.SPL.

This fascinating osella symbolizes the naval victory of the Serenissima in the Third Battle of the Dardanelles. On June 26, 1656, Captain Lorenzo Marcello, although commanding a fleet significantly outnumbered by the Ottoman ships led by Kenhan Pasha, through his heroic sacrifice managed to repel the enemy and inflict a complete defeat on the Turkish fleet, so much so that the way to the port of Istanbul was almost opened to the Venetian ships.

The victory allowed the Venetians to occupy the important islands of Tenedos and Lemnos, thus establishing the possibility of a permanent blockade of the Dardanelles Straits.

In honor of this event, the Doge and the Senate organized a great celebration and a solemn procession with a visit to the church, in which all the ambassadors also participated.