1ST GRENADIER DIVISION BADGE - ITALIAN VERSION BY F.M. LORIOLI
Dimensions: 52 × 26 mm
Combat badge of the 1st Grenadier Division of the Polish Armed Forces in the West—a unit that participated in the French Campaign of 1940. The version with a wreath, introduced in 1943 and awarded to soldiers of the 1st Grenadier Division.
Most badges of this type were manufactured by the British firm Kirkwood & Son in Edinburgh. The piece shown here is a rarer Italian version, produced by the firm F.M. Lorioli of Milan and Rome.
The badge takes the form of a shield topped with a stylized White Eagle wearing a crown. Its central part features the Lorraine Cross, referring to the unit’s place of formation and operations. At the bottom is a flaming grenade—the traditional symbol of grenadiers—with the initials “D.1.G.,” surrounded by a wreath. Along the edge of the shield is the motto “GOD – HONOR – FATHERLAND.”
Date of creation: after 1943
Polish Armed Forces in the West
combat version with a wreath
manufacturer: F.M. Lorioli, Milan–Rome
Material: silver-plated brass
One-piece badge, slightly oxidized
post-mount
additional pin to prevent the badge from rotating on the uniform
cap marked: “F.M. LORIOLI / MILANO–ROMA”
condition consistent with the photographic documentation
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
Dimensions: 52 × 26 mm
Combat badge of the 1st Grenadier Division of the Polish Armed Forces in the West—a unit that participated in the French Campaign of 1940. The version with a wreath, introduced in 1943 and awarded to soldiers of the 1st Grenadier Division.
Most badges of this type were manufactured by the British firm Kirkwood & Son in Edinburgh. The piece shown here is a rarer Italian version, produced by the firm F.M. Lorioli of Milan and Rome.
The badge takes the form of a shield topped with a stylized White Eagle wearing a crown. Its central part features the Lorraine Cross, referring to the unit’s place of formation and operations. At the bottom is a flaming grenade—the traditional symbol of grenadiers—with the initials “D.1.G.,” surrounded by a wreath. Along the edge of the shield is the motto “GOD – HONOR – FATHERLAND.”
Date of creation: after 1943
Polish Armed Forces in the West
combat version with a wreath
manufacturer: F.M. Lorioli, Milan–Rome
Material: silver-plated brass
One-piece badge, slightly oxidized
post-mount
additional pin to prevent the badge from rotating on the uniform
cap marked: “F.M. LORIOLI / MILANO–ROMA”
condition consistent with the photographic documentation
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
