International - Lot of 8 Badges (WWII & Post-War Military & Civilian Insignia)
A diverse collection of military, civil defense, and organizational badges from different nations, spanning WWII and the post-war period.
1. WWII Royal Italian Army Brass Infantry (Fantari) Shoulder Board
Country: Italy
Era: World War II (1939-1945)
Material: Brass
Purpose:
Issued to Italian Army Infantry units (Fanteria) as a shoulder rank insignia.
Typically worn on uniforms to designate unit affiliation and soldier’s branch of service.
Collectibility:
Italian WWII artifacts are highly sought after, particularly those related to the Royal Italian Army (Regio Esercito) before the 1943 armistice and division of Italy into Axis and Allied factions.
Common in lower ranks, but rarer if linked to elite divisions like the Bersaglieri or Alpini.
2. 1950s Royal Netherlands Army Signal Corps Cap Badge
Country: Netherlands
Era: 1950s (Post-WWII Dutch Army)
Material: Likely brass or metal alloy
Purpose:
Worn by Dutch Army Signal Corps personnel on dress caps and uniforms.
Features traditional communication-themed insignia, such as crossed lightning bolts or a signal horn.
Collectibility:
Post-war Dutch military insignia is relatively rare outside the Netherlands.
Particularly desirable if it retains original fittings (pins or clips) and enamel detailing.
3. UK - Automobile Association (AA) Badge
Country: United Kingdom
Era: Likely mid-20th century (Pre-1970s)
Material: Metal with enamel or chrome plating
Purpose:
Issued to Automobile Association (AA) members for display on vehicles or uniforms.
Some versions were attached to car grilles, while others were worn by road patrol staff.
Collectibility:
Classic motoring memorabilia, especially pre-1950s AA badges, are valuable to vintage car collectors.
Earlier numbered examples or those with pre-war designs are particularly desirable.
4. Artillery Bouton (Military Button, Likely European Origin)
Country: Unknown (Possibly French, British, or Italian)
Era: Likely 19th or early 20th century
Material: Brass or metal alloy
Purpose:
Used as a uniform button for artillery regiments.
Often features cannons, crossed guns, or flaming grenades in relief.
Collectibility:
Identifiable insignia or backmarks (maker stamps) can greatly increase value.
Commonly collected by military uniform historians and re-enactors.
5. WWII South African Civilian Protective Service Badge (Numbered: 36-525)
Country: South Africa
Era: World War II (1939-1945)
Material: Brass or bronze
Purpose:
Issued to civilian defense volunteers, responsible for air raid precautions, rescue efforts, and fire-fighting services.
Numbered variation suggests it was part of a limited production series, possibly for registered personnel.
Collectibility:
South African WWII badges are rare, as they were issued in limited numbers.
Numbered examples with low digits (below 100) or those issued to high-ranking civil defense officers may hold additional value.
6. WWII South African National Service Badge (Numbered: 86-108)
Country: South Africa
Era: World War II (1939-1945)
Material: Brass or bronze
Purpose:
Given to South African personnel in domestic service roles, including non-combat military support, administration, and logistics.
May have been awarded to government officials, police, or auxiliary forces.
Collectibility:
Numbered examples are more valuable, especially if traced to a specific recipient or division.
Less common than equivalent British or Commonwealth service badges.
7. The Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes (SWRI) Badge
Country: Scotland (United Kingdom)
Era: Likely early to mid-20th century
Material: Enamel & metal
Purpose:
Worn by members of the Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes, a community organization promoting rural women’s education, social work, and homemaking skills.
May have been awarded for contributions or simply worn as membership identification.
Collectibility:
SWRI badges are relatively rare, especially early pre-WWII versions.
Collectors often seek them for social history or Scottish memorabilia collections.
8. The Boys’ Life Brigade Badge
Country: United Kingdom
Era: Early to mid-20th century
Material: Enamel & metal
Purpose:
Issued to members of the Boys’ Life Brigade, a Christian youth organization similar to the Boy Scouts, founded in 1899.
Focused on moral education, physical training, and outdoor activities.
Collectibility:
Early examples are highly sought after, particularly pre-1930s versions.
Some rare designs include regional variations or special award pins.