What is this ???

[Edelweiss]

Hi there,

I'd be happy to get more info on this badge. It's made of thin copper, approx 6 cm in diameter. It shows what appears to be a podium, wearing an Alpini insigna. On the highest step is a mountain shoe ; behind the podium are skis and poles, a climbing rope, and an ice-axe with binoculars. One can see an edelweiss on the right, under the rope, and mountains in the background.

Maybe a kind of sports badge ? How was it worn ? For the info, this item was ground dug in the south-east of France, where italian attacks took place at the beginning of the war.

Thanks !

[Edelweiss]

No italian collector to give me a clue ?

[ThuleGesellschaft1919]

I've seen a plate like that one today, find with metaldetector in a pow's camp!
Shoul it be a top cover plate for boots grease from what they said!
Hope this help!
Can you tell me where and how have you find it?
I'm curious about it, and the owner of other plate are curious too!

Cheers,
Andrea.

[ARDITO]

Is the back of a mirror to shave, there are many variations with many designs rear.
Was buy privately by the soldiers.
Ciao, Luca

[Edelweiss]

Ah endly ! Nothing for days, then two answers at the same time.
Grazie Signori !

Yes, I would have had some big doubts about the boot grease theory. Not only the item is made of thin copper and would have been too fragile for the lid of a grease box, but is also too nicely decorated for such a poor use, without any brand mark on it.

The back of a mirror makes sense, thanks for the solution, Luca. It also fits perfectly the fact that another was found in a POW camp. It would be great to post pics of the other one here, Andrea. Well, now I think I'll have to find such a mirror with the very same backing in a fine condition to go with this relic one ; please PM me if you see one passing by in Italy.

Andrea, this item was found using a metal detector and given to me by a friend. It was ground dug in the south-east of France, more precisely in the mountains above Menton, where italian attacks on the Alpine Maginot line took place in 1940.

Saluti from the little County to the Grand Duchy and the rest of Italy,

[ThuleGesellschaft1919]

Yeah agree with Lucas!
Finders said that too, i've seen it now!
Lucas can you show us a good example of that mirrror?
Edelweiess can i show your pictures to my friend?
I'll get the pictures of the other one for you!

[ARDITO]

There are several variations, made in copper and aluminum.
I attach photos of other two found with the metal detetector.
Were very common in the thirties.
ciao, Luca

[Edelweiss]

Thanks for the photos, Luca.
Damn, these look very much like a sports award. And a very nicely designed one !

Edelweiess can i show your pictures to my friend?

Yes of course Andrea, no need to ask.