Italy, Fascist State. A Black Brigade Skull Beret Badge, C.1943 Newly Listed A First War Memorial Cross

A First War Memorial Cross for Ancre Heights 1916 - (219523 L/CPL

technology was relatively simple and no one could afford to throw anything away

Gold Grade (bronze gilt

This proved to be a rather ambitious step

The Prussian helmet plate is original to the helmet and that is clear with the shadowing on the body of the Pickelhaube

Italy, Fascist State. A Black Brigade Skull Beret Badge, C.1943 Newly Listed A First War Memorial CrossIn die stamped silvered bronze, the reverse shows dual prongs, measures 48 mm (w) x 43 mm (h), loss of lacquer to the eyes and nose, remains in very fine condition. Footnote: The RSI (Repubblica Sociale Italiana Italian Social Republic) was a paramilitary unit in Northern Italy which was under Fascist control and occupied by the German Army. The metal smiling skull was worn on the beret surrounded by a gold embroidered bullion wreath.