Rare WW2 Era Italian 5th Alpini Regiment Cap.

A rare cap worn by an NCO of the Italian 5th Alpini regiment. 5th Alpini Regiment is an elite light infantry and mountain warfare unit of the Italian Army. Established in 1882, the regiment is famously characterized by the Cappello Alpino, the felt hat adorned with an eagle feather. During WW2 they fought heavily on the French and Greco-Italian fronts, as well as during the tragic retreat on the Russian Front, where they took part in the famous Battle of Nikolajewka. The regiment was disbanded following the 1943 armistice but was re-formed in the post-war era, continuing a long tradition of guarding Italy’s northern frontiers.
The most interesting thing about this cap is it is covered with various original veterans badges, all regimentally issued by the 5th Alpini regiment, some are rare including the ‘Oltre la Mort’ (beyond death) pin, ‘Mitragliere’ machine Gunner badge, the ‘Tirano’ pin a rare original badge awarded to specialised units, plus other regiment pins which I cannot find any other examples of.
This cap is a very good example of a rare cap, but it does have a little damage, please see pictures, mainly old moth damage to the felt, but now this has been treated. Also, it is silk lined inside, this has perished but still intact. A fantastic piece of Italian WW2 history

Code: 31578