Identify hat badge

[sfav8r]

I need help identifying the following cap badge if possible such as division, unit base. Photo was taken near Bolzano Italy in 1939. Information so far is it was MVSN possibly sapper(combat engineer). Rank was Capo manipolo

[Waleed Y. Majeed]

Hi there
Here's an earlier close match
http://www.caricat.it/index.php?id_prod ... &id_lang=2
Might be helpfull

w

[zaptiè]

antiaircraft militia

[sfav8r]

The hat badge has two crossed axes which indicates MVSN engineer (Sapper). Is this also antiaircraft?

[Waleed Y. Majeed]

If they are not axes but winged cannons, then it could be
antiaircraft as zaptiè says.

w

[zaptiè]

The MVSN have no enginner units, so this badge have stilizated wings. Tha badge with the axes and fascio is for the "Centurie Lavoratori"= workers , in 1937 Ethiopian campain. Is not a Milizia Badge and is only for Africa , the foto show an officer of MVSA in Bolzano , in the Alps!

[Waleed Y. Majeed]

I agree!
My mistake earlier...
http://www.mymilitaria.it/liste_03/dicatcap.htm

w

[jwsleser]

zaptiè

Do you have a source that this badge is D.I.C.A.T.?

I would find it very unusual that the axes would designate an artillery unit rather than engineers. I feel that Waleed Y Majeed's link that show that the insignia is for Lavoratori is correct. Lavoratori are part of the engineers and the axes are typical of that branch.

I agree that the M.V.S.N. doesn't have an engineer branch, but the fact that there is an earlier organization with that insignia argues against D.I.C.A.T.

Pista! Jeff

[sfav8r]

Here is a copy of an MVSN sapper badge

[zaptiè]

The point is that the badge NOT have axes but winged cannon!
The nice brass badge( probabily is from my own collection!!) is for the the tropical helmet of the " centurie Lavoratori" raised in 6 " coorth" to built roads in italian West Africa; it was a civil organization and not part of MvSN. The other badge in red are for the same organization but is an arm badge.
The man in Photo is an officier of MVSN and the only badge of MVSN similar is for the antiaircraft militia or DICAT.

[jwsleser]

zaptiè

Okay I know understand what you are saying. In the close up of the fregio, it does look like a wing behind cannons rather than axes on poles.

I agree, DICAT. If DICAT, does anyone know of a DICAT unit numbered 16?

Pista! Jeff

[Waleed Y. Majeed]

If the "16" is the Legion number, it would be Terni north of Rome
if I have understood the site below correctly.
http://www.regioesercito.it/milizia/mvsnmaca.htm

w

[jwsleser]

Terni is the 16 Legione garrison home. What one needs to check is whether the 16 Legione DICAT was stationed up near Bolzano in 1939. If it was, then that is a good indication we have the right unit ID.

Pista! Jeff

[Panzergrenadier2967]

Milizia per la difesa antiaerea territoriale