Italy Italian - Ethiopian war badge

[Noor]

Hi all,

I am looking information (how many were made, who got them, current market value, etc) regards the Italian - Ethiopian war pin back badge. Looks like it is hallmarked Corinaldi & Rizzi Milan.

Any ideas would be great.

Regards,

Noor

[Noor]

No Italian collectors here???

[claudio2574]

I'm one. But I can't give you answers because it's the first time I see this badge. Do you want I post your question in an Italian forum?

[Noor]

That would be great! Thank you for your time!

Noor

[medalman90]

nice badge!

[Noor]

Here is one better picture of it:

[Noor]

and I found one on sale in the Italian local auction.... estimated €100-150.

http://www.vonmorenberg.com/en/object/42048/Distintivo-della-Marcia-su-Addis-Abeba.html

one for €300

http://www.mymilitaria.it/liste_03/marcia_addis_abeba.htm

Edited September 30, 2013 by Noor

[claudio2574]

Noor,

after some search thru the holy books, I've found some answers.

The badge was created on May, 27th 1937 by the Ministry of War.

It was given to:

a) the components of the High Command in A.O. (Africa Orientale = East Africa)

b) the components of the General Gariboldi's track unit (division "Sabauda": 45-46° inf - 3° Bers - 16 art .)

c) the components of the General Gallina's inf. unit (1st division "Eritrea", 1st mixed brigade)

d) the components of the General De Meo's inf. unit (can't' which unit was this)

e) the Aviation people who gave support of any kind to the previous units.

The total number of soldiers is about 10000 Italians and 10000 Eritreans; these numbers come from the report of Gen. Badoglio (http://www.regioesercito.it/campagne/etiopia/avvmil11.htm)

There are at least 4 variants of the badge, with no mark, with the mark of Alberti & C. Milano, Johnson and Corinaldi e Rizzi Milano. The latter is your and is the most expensive (about 150 euros), the others could be 100-120.

About your last link: the badge is no longer included in the official badges of the Italian Army, as you can see in the official page http://www.esercito.difesa.it/Equipaggiamenti/Militaria/Distintivi/IDistintivi/DistintiviRicordo/Pagine/default.aspx

Hope this can help

Claudio

Edited October 3, 2013 by claudio2574