Shield - Special Firefighters Battalion

Metal arm shield of the Special Battalion of the Italian Fire Service. Unit insignia made of stamped metal, intended to identify personnel assigned to Special Battalions during World War II. These units operated in high-risk environments, carrying out firefighting in bombed areas, civilian rescue, securing sensitive facilities, and support to civil protection services in wartime conditions. Compared to textile arm patches, the metal version offered greater durability when worn on operational uniforms and intervention suits. The badge features a shield-shaped outline with embossed institutional heraldry and emblematic details, finished in metal to highlight relief work. Attachment was by tabs or pins on the reverse, designed for sleeve mounting. Production was limited, entrusted to Italian metalworking workshops active during the wartime period. The badge forms part of the identification system used to distinguish special units of the Italian Fire Service deployed for operational duties linked to the conflict.