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Italian
CSIR Cross
Italian C.S.I.R. award was probably instituted in August 1942 and rendered to those troops that
participated in the initial campaign of Operation Barbarossa.
The cross is made of either silver, silver bronze or silver zama. The obverse is found in either off-white paint or enameled surrounded by a metal border outline. The reverse has the names of the Russian regions and the years that the Italian troops fought. In addition, the manufacturer's name and address is posted on the lower right side. For the silver cross an "800" mark is posted on the lower left corner side. The Ribbon is white and black.
Above is an original white painted cross with silver metal outlines attached to a white/black ribbon. Notice that the reverse shows the names of the Russian regions and the years that the Italian troops fought. On top of the cross is the inscription "DNJEPR, DONETZ" and on the bottom is the dates "LUGLIO 941, LUGLIO 942." Perpendicular to the cross from left to right the inscription "BUG" and "DON." In the center it shows the "C.S.I.R." in bigger size letters. In addition just below the date it shows in small letters the manufacturer's name and address "LORIOLI MILANO ROMA, A PICOZZI MILANO." Post-production badges exist probably made and purchased for veterans. The post-war crosses are missing the manufacturer's name and address.
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Italian
FRONTE-RUSSO Badge
The so-called
Italian FRONTE-RUSSO honor badge was awarded in March 1943 to all
those troops that served on the Eastern Front from 22 June 1941
to 5 June 1943. The badge was also awarded to Germans attached to
the CSIR and 8th Army Corps. This attractive silver color badge
shows the wreath with laurels (representing heroism) on the right
side and thorns (representing suffering) on the left side, both
touching the knot of Savoy at the top. The center of the badge shows
two Cossack sabers crossing. At the base is a ribbon with the inscription
"FRONTE RUSSO" highlighted in blue.
On the reverse of the badge
was the name and address of the manufacturing company "F. M. LORIOLI
FRATELLI, VIA F. BRONZETTI 25, MILANO" and the manufacturing pattern
number "MODELLO DEPOSITATO NO. 38." The badge was attached to the
left pocket of the uniform via a pin. Originally there was a needle
pin with a catch that was placed in vertical position, but was later
removed and instead replaced by a safety pin that follow the contour
lines of one of the sabers. This die cast badge was sold for 6 Lira
and was available directly from the only authorized manufacturing
company the Lorioli Brothers. It came with a brown cellophane paper
showing the manufacturer’s logo and address.
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