Italian RSI Officer’s German Military Training for Italians Badge

Die struck badge in gilt zamac (a zinc alloy used by the Italains), one-piece construction. The gilt variant is was awarded to officers, silver to NCO/EM. Correct dimensions and weight, and deep cut-out design. Steel pin on reverse is proper location and style, but has been damaged/repaired at some point. Some zinc bubbling evident on front and back. Measures 50mm wide by 32.5mm tall.

This award was instituted on 15th July1944. It consists of a pair of crossed swords, which have double-edged blades that widen to the tip. They have plain hilts with rounded pommels and thick plain cross-guards. The blade has a raised central spine. They measure 54 mm from pommel to tip. At the centre is superimposed a vertical fasces with a swastika superimposed on to it. From either side of the fasces is a single oak leaf with an elongated stalk protruding from beneath the lower edges of the blades of the swords. The outline of the leaves is pierced.