WW2 Africa & Italian Campaign Souvenir Link Bracelet "Rome 1944"

From an El Encanto historic neighborhood estate in Tucson is this WW2 Italian theater made bracelet, echoing the mid war campaigns of a combat veteran. The 1944 dated ornament is artisanally crafted of plated brass rather than often seen scavenged aluminum. While not exactly elegant, it would have been highly prized by any recipient in that time - proof of life from a loved one in harm's way and a sort of road map of his progress over there. Of course for that serving GI with the paltry remainder of his $50. a month combat pay (after the lion's share went home to the folks) and the burning need to find a trophy for the girl he left behind, it ticked all the boxes. The large lozenge shaped central panel shows an American streamer done up with enamel paint (some of which remains) and a hand struck representation of St Peter's Basilica with "ITALY / ROME / 1944. Each of the five smaller panel links have similar meaningful representations for "AFRICA" / "SICILY" / "NAPOLI" / "CASSINO" / and "FIRENZE". So you know I've seen these bracelets with six panels and with five - another panel and connector link would make this one over 8 1/2 in. long, so I really believe it was worn about with just these five. Have a look at the photos and see what you think. During late 1944 and early 1945, many of these got pocket carried or worn on Po River walks in the sun before the chance finally came to send them home. Condition is quite good (though certainly not pristine perfect) with an aura of time to the surfaces. Be aware I have avoided every urge to refresh or "improve" upon anything - you want that done you do it. The paint within the hand struck American streamer has largely worn away, though more than half of the red and white stripes and traces of the blue field

color remain. The original plating is mostly present, with a small amount of age spotting and some normal wearing loss at the hinge points. One of the connector links has long served as a clasp by hooking onto the "AFRICA" panel - while I've seen versions with other connector arrangements, this one was obviously worn exactly so in the long ago. Charismatic signs of period use serves to validate the history. A look at the pics should give a good idea of appearance and condition. Size is about 7 1/2 in. long. The front panel is about 2 1/8 in. horizontal and 1 3/32 in. vertical. If you understand the magnitude of sacrifice symbolized by these souvenirs from the war that saved the world, this will have great meaning for you.inkfrog terapeak Listing and template services provided by inkFrog