Italy, Kingdom. A 14Th Infantry Division Isonzo Sleeve Shield

(14° Divisione Isonzo). In bronze gilt with navy blue enamels, maker marked "LORIOLI & CASTELLI MILANO" on the reverse, measuring 47.5 mm (w) x 60.5 mm (h), loop on the reverse of the sword and die-holes at the other three points for uniform attachment, crazing evident in the blue enamels below the number "14", scattered gilt wear, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The 14th Infantry Division Isonzo was an infantry division of the Italian Army during the Second World War and was formed on May 24, 1939. On June 10, 1940, the division was deployed at Postojna, performing security duties from Kalce, Logatec to Javornik Hills. It held the same position until April of 1941. At the beginning of Invasion of Yugoslavia, the division crossed the border in Goriziaand and advanced toward the Municipality of Brezovica. On April 11, 1940, the division was deployed in Golovec District. Later, the division was tasked with mopping-up of the area and road patrols. In January of 1942, the division participated in a large battle against Yugoslav partisans in Bosnia. In 1943, the division fought a series of battles against an increasing number of Yugoslav partisans in Slovenia, gradually abandoning much of the countryside and concentrating only on the defence of the main roads. In particular, on September 22, 1942, Yugoslav partisans ambushed one of the division companies, resulting in 60 killed and 24 missing. On September 8, 1943, the division was ordered to move from Novo Mesto to Rijeka, but was dissolved en route near Kočevje, where they surrendered to German forces.