RARE WWII 509TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY BATTALION AIRBORNE ITALIAN MADE PATCH SUPERB For Sale

Presented for thecollector of WWII theater-made patches or one specializing in ephemera of the famed 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion is this superb specimen of the small version of this rare and highly sought after insignia. This patch is in untouched, uncleaned, as-found condition with a wonderful patina. Of course,this patch factorsprominently in the ASMIC \"Top 100\" along with several other 509th specific patches. Colloquially known as the \"beret patch\" among collectors, the small 509th patch was more often worn at the right cuff of the Ike jacket or 4-pocket tunicin the manner of what we would today call a \"combat patch.\" With regard to established protocols for 509th PIB insignia and their manner of wear there are general guidelines, but no absolutes. Charlie Doyle\'s history of the battalion features a photo of one member wearing one of the large sized patches front and center on a jock strap! The small patches of hand-embroidered, goldenrod-colored silk on black wool are observed in rare instances on the beret, but more often on the cuff of former members of the unit who moved on to other airborne units after the battalion was deactivated in early 1945 after being decimated during the Battle of the Bulge. The larger 509th patches in both silk and bullion typically found wear on the tanker jacket of enlisted personnel or the A-2 jackets of officers from their design and creation in Italy in 1943, through the \"Champagne Campaign\" in southern France in 1944, and into the Ardennes in late 1944/early 1945. On very rare occasions they were worn as a shoulder patch. Thus, 98% of all original 509th insignia was created in Italy in 1943-1944 with the remaining 2%being produced on avery limited basis in France. Most, if not all, of the small patches are of the aforementioned goldenrod-colored silk embroidery on black wool. Most of the larger patches tend to be found in bullion; however, dark yellow/goldenrod-coloredsilk versions exist. In my experience the ratio is about 70/30. That is just my observation. The bulk of both the large and small versions of this patch were locally manufactured in Italy prior to the departure of the battalion for southern France during Operation Dragoon in August 1944. This specimen came to me years ago with some other 509th related items I have listed. These were the leftovers from a much larger group that is a horror story I don\'t even want to think about. Regardless, this is a unequivocal, textbook specimen and will pass muster with anyone you show it to who knows (not thinks, but KNOWS) what they are talking about. Yes, you can call Scotty and get him to bless off on it if you feel the need to. The patch measures 1 11/16 inches wide and 2 5/16 inches tall and features the aforementioned goldenrod-colored silk embroidery of the \"gingerbread man\" insignia of the 509th on black wool. The reverse features remnants of the dried paste basting that is very commonly encountered on Italian-made patches of WWII. The overall condition is quite excellent with just a hint of fraying of a couple of strands on the left border. The patch does appear to be uniform removed as there is a remnant khaki thread at the base of the patch. This would make a wonderful addition to any collection of theater-made patches, insignia, or airborne material in general. With regard to the three aforementioned categories 509th material is about as good as it gets. ! Please see my other listings for items which may interest you. Good luck!

NOTE: The shipping charges are reflective of USPS Priority Mail rates and additional packing materials. I will invoice only those shipping and insurance charges (if more than the basic $50 coverage rate is required) obtained from the USPS website with special expenses or previously discussed requests excepted. International buyers should contact me to discuss terms, insurance, and or viability of shipping to your country. Specialized packing materials, boxes, or other arrangements may cost more with large or oddly-sized items. Pleaseunderstand the extra cost and time involved if that is necessary.I will make the shippingas safe, secure, above board, and cheap as possible.

Contact: Communication is the operative act in any transaction. I will be more than happy to engage in a dialogue about a particular item before and after the close of the sale. Please ask any questions that might influence your offerding prior to the end of the sale. I will consider the item yours after you have won it. Please tender payment within 3 days of the close of the sale. I will, of course, send a reminder toward the end of that time. I will endeavor to answer any question promptly and accurately to the level of detail required for your satisfaction. I will also indulge additional photo requests if the posted photos do not illustrate a particular aspect ofthe item you are curious about. Rest assured that the photos and description accurately depict the item being saleed. What you see is what you get. The sooner I receive funds, the sooner your item leaves my hands!

Payment: Payment in full must be received within 3 days of the close of the sale.

Shipping: USPS Priority Mail is my \"service of choice.\" If you want something different let me know and I will attempt to accommodate you if I can. Oddly shaped items that do not fit into the standard Priority Mail boxes may be more or less expensive depending on weight. The beauty of Priority Mail is that it is a flat rate. Contact me at the close of the sale if you feel the need to choose another USPS service or carrier. Large items or items requiring a special box, packing, or freight charges will require a little more legwork on my part, but I will make every effort to get it to you as safely, quickly,and economically practical as possible and will promptly update you accordingly. I will combine shipping on multiple purchases when applicable.

Returns: Items are sold \"as is.\" In other words, I don\'t accept returns. If you aredissatisfied with the photographs or description, please ask any question you may have before the close of the sale. Please do not renege on the contract through a lack of communication. Again, I\'ll be more than happy at any time to indulge your questions about a particular item or aspect of condition. Please consult my response profile and you will see three trends: superlative packing,prompt service/communication, and accurate descriptions.

Thank you for yourbusiness and I look forward to serving you again!