Italian-Made U-Boat Badge ? Help !

[GREG E.]

A friend of mine in Germany sent me these pictures earlier this week. He knows that I lived many years in Italy, so he thought that I could tell him what this item is. Unfortunately, I am as clueless as he is!

Based upon these mediocre images, it appears to be a cap badge of some sort. It is "screw-back" (SB) in terms of construction and the backing plate is nicely marked S.A. PICCHIANI & BARLACCHI FIRENZE. Obviously, Italian-made and subsequently issued - or sold - to the Germans.

I have no reason to doubt the authenticity of this piece based upon its provenance, but I would like to request some assistance from my fellow forum members to help me identify this insignia. Thanks in advance!

[Mainemilitaria]

The screw back looks very much like the eastern European reproduction badges, and the Italian makers marks could be easily reproduced. Not saying it's fake, but not typical Italian or German style, the large swastika looks hokey, and apparently No one has seen anything like it or referenced anywhere. Wouldn't be anything I'd want or buy unless it came in an untouched lot or was very cheap.... My 60 years experience says junk...... But I've been wrong before!
John G.

[Lubo]

Never seen one of these, the screw disc could be real, although not typical for Italian makers, the U-boat - I agree looks more like junk than the real thing!