named FJ badge dugout today in Italy

[frank savage]

Hi Alessio!!

Fantastic!!!! Great find!!!!!!!
Keep us informed !!

Cheers!

[15parabattalion]

Thats interesting the reverse seems to have been painted green at some time! This wasn't 'normal' for these badges. I'm thinking the whole thing was painted green at some point to aid camoflauge? We used to do this with our cap and wings badges or use black tape to cover them up!

[Thomas Durante]

Thats interesting the reverse seems to have been painted green at some time! This wasn't 'normal' for these badges. I'm thinking the whole thing was painted green at some point to aid camoflauge? We used to do this with our cap and wings badges or use black tape to cover them up!

I don't think so. IMME Para badges often acquire a greenish patina over the years, it is a very common aspect to original badges. Probably has to do with its high copper content of the base nickel silver used for the wreath and the brass of the eagle. Being buried in the ground for 65 years just accelerated this green patina build up IMO.

Tom

[15parabattalion]

Thomas, ok but are you sure! It looks like paint to me! No big deal really it just would be good for future reference. However the front does not look 'green'?

[15parabattalion]

Actually, the more i look the more it does look like a 'patina', so I think you are correct!

[Thomas Durante]

Here is another IMME that shows this green patina well, on an otherwise mint badge. IT is a common aspect of all IMME badges and a good thing to look for on originals, as it is hard to fake such patina.

Tom