Italy, Fascist State. A Black Brigade Skull Beret Badge, c.1943

In die-stamped silvered bronze with black lacquer, the reverse offers a pinched flat bar for beret attachment, measures 48.1mm (w) x 43.6mm (h), wear to skull, loss of lacquer to the eyes and nose, remains in very fine condition.

Footnote: The RSI (Repubblica Sociale Italiana/ Italian Social Republic) was a paramilitary unit in Northern Italy which was under Fascist control and occupied by the German Army. The metal “smiling” skull was worn on the beret surrounded by a gold embroidered bullion wreath.