Fossalta Division armshield

[Shining]

Hello,

Here's an armshield "Divisione Fossalta" of the Regio Esercito, with manufacturer's mark on the back : "Lorioli & Castelli, Milano".
This division was created in 1934, and was renamed in 1939 as "Divisione Pistoia", 16th infantry division. It took part in fights against the Allies in Tunisia, and it was finally dissolved on 13th May 1943, after the division was destroyed.

I've not succeeded in finding an armshield of the "Divisione Pistoia". Does anyone know if a such armshield also existed for the "Pistoia" ?

Regards

Antoine

[OldSteel]

Hi Antoine
the name: "16th Divisione Pistoia" was born in 1939 and the divisional armshields were abolished with a communication from the War Department, published in the Official Military Journal:
"Dispensation 38 of 29 July 1940-Circular No. 548".
Therefore even if theoretically for a short period they could have used it, in reality it is possible that its use never started or was very limited.
Your example is one of those enameled by Officers and NCOs, the troop version was in painted metal.

Regards
Roberto

[Shining]

Thank you very much Roberto for this explanation !
I didn't know this kind of divisional armshields was abolished in 1940.