Okay-here is another "what the heck is this" item!

[Mike Dunn]

This is a nice, heavy tinnie type badge. Looks to have a German soldier on the front and what looks like French, Red Cross, and the date1918 on theback. Has what looks like a 0800 below the date on the back and a name under the bust on the front that looks like "Fians Fret" or "Flans Fret". 1/2 x 1 1/8 inch tinnie. Any clues my fellow gentlemen?? Mike

[Mike Dunn]

Reverse--HELP my French friends!!

[FireMedals]

Mike,

With the three languages on the reverse, I'd consider this as a possible Swiss piece. I've seen this on other Swiss items. Looks like a WWI token mounted as a pin. Sorry I can't translate any of it.

Firemedals

[Chris Boonzaier]

Something about a national donation for swiss soldiers and their families. If it was given for fundraising or if the families gor the badge for whatever reason is not 100% clear.

[VtwinVince]

Yup, it's a Swiss national fundraiser for "Our soldiers and their families".

[Mike Dunn]

Well--Thanks! Would have never guessed Swiss-but looking at it agian that makes sense. Thanks to all that helped solve the mystery! Second thought--were the Swiss neutral during WWI? Mike

[Guest Rick Research]

Yup and I'm surprised to see that helmet in 1918-- thought it was WW2 vintage.

Looks like they came up with the best helmet design of the 20th century while everybody else was still making it up as they went along.

[landsknechte]

Yup and I'm surprised to see that helmet in 1918-- thought it was WW2 vintage.

Looks like they came up with the best helmet design of the 20th century while everybody else was still making it up as they went along.

I can't seem to find the photo that I used to have that showed this helmet in circulation around 1919, but it's referred to as the m1918/40.

--Chris