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C006957 ITALIAN GNR CAP SKULL.
BACKGROUND:
After the official Italian surrender, on September 8th, 1943, the Germans rapidly advanced into Italy in an attempt to protect their interests there, and forestall the allied advance towards Germany from the south. In a daring raid, on September 13th, 1943, Mussolini was rescued by the Germans and, under Hitler’s forceful encouragement, began formation of the puppet fascist RSI, "Repubblica Sociale Italiana" (Italian Social Republic), on September 17th, 1943, in a failed attempt to restore fascism to Italy. The RSI, along with the "La Guardia Nazionale Repubblicana" (The Republican National Guard), which was formed on November 20th, 1943, continued to fight in Italy under German command. On April 28th, 1945, Mussolini and his mistress, Claretta Petacci, were captured and executed by Italian partisans at the Villa Belmonte, near Bonzanigo, and their mutilated bodies were displayed unceremoniously in Milan. On May 2nd, 1945, the Germans, along with the RSI and GNR, finally conceded unconditional surrender in Italy.PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: This style of cap badge was worn by personnel of the Action Squads, later by the Black Brigades and by some special units of the GNR. A stamped alloy cap badge in the shape of a skull superimposed over crossed bones. The skull features sunken eye sockets, a sunken nose triangle, double row of teeth and detailed bone structure. The reverse is a mirror image of the obverse with a soldered on, double ended, pin mounting device. The badge is in very good condition with an overall age patina which is more evident to the reverse of the badge.
GRADE****1/4 PRICE $234.00
To Order this item, please use one of the two e-mail addresses below to contact us. Please make sure to quote the item number in your e-mail
-E-Mail Address pawmac@nbnet.nb.ca Or guild@nb.aibn.com
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