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Title Enamel buttonhole with Dolomite motif
Nationality Austrian
Period 1916
Price £30.00

These were sold to raise money for the displaced mountain people of Tyrol and the Dolomites, who became refugees due to the war with Italy, hence the Latin inscription 'Pro fugis auxilium' round the edge with a Tyrol eagle at the top and two small edelweiss on each side, with 1914-1916 between, and the central die-struck image of the Dolomites.

This is a view of the Earth Pyramids near modern Bolzano (Bozen of old) in the Ritten Mountains of the Dolomites (South Tyrol). These buttonholes originally cost two kronen.

There is no maker's name on the reverse and it would appear to have been made of soft iron in order to have a successful die-struck image. The enamel is grass green, the traditional colour for piping and facings on Austrian mountain troop uniforms.

It measures 3.4cm long and it would appear that there is no enamel damage.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Militaria : Badges : Austrian : 20th Century]

testimonials

[From a vendor, rather than a buyer]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the badge and I hope you can sell it to someone who will value owning it.

I tried to sell it on eBay but they won't accept Nazi items. I then contacted several dealers via a Google search who mostly offered me £40-£50 after some haggling. Most of the other dealers tried to conceal its true value in their replies and also lacked manners which doesn't inspire confidence.

Ultimately it's about trust. I should think that most prospective sellers have done their own research and therefore know roughly what their item is worth. You were the only dealer who had the integrity to concede that my valuation was approximately correct and I respect your comment that you can't offer this as you need to make a profit. Your honest approach is greatly appreciated and I felt comfortable taking the risk in sending it to you.

Thank you for a smooth transaction

C D, UK, 01.07.2015

Package arrived 12.30 today safe and sound. Honest piece as you described so all good.

C W, UK, 07.10.2014

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