Italy, Kingdom. A Russian Front Honour Badge

In silvered bronze with teal enamels, maker marked "F.M. LORIOLI FRATELLI VIA F. BRONZETTI 25, MILANO" and marked "MODELLO DEPOSITATO N. 38" (Registered Model) on the reverse, illustrating crossed downward-pointing Cossack sabres, overlaying a wreath composed of thorns (for suffering) on the left and oak leaves (for heroism) on the right, tied together at the top with a Savoy knot, ribbon banner at the base inscribed "FRONTE RVSSO" (Russian Front), measuring 43.3 mm (w) x 43.5 mm (h), angled pinback, scattered silvering wear on the obverse, bubbling on the reverse, light contact, better than very fine.

Footnote: This badge was awarded to Italian troops that served on the Eastern front between June 22, 1941 and June 5, 1943. It was issued for the first time in March 1943. Not only Italian soldiers were awarded. German soldiers attached to the C.S.I.R. (Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia = Corpo di Spedizione Italiano in Russia) and the 8th Army Corps were also awarded the badge.