I dont collect Italian....
However, rarely does an item come with impeccable provenance as this flag. Bought directly from the son of the Senior officer that captured it. I am not at liberty to say who this man was, as i dont feel that the family would approve.
The son himself is a collector, his father is in books, he showed me one photo of his father wearing his tin hat, and on the shelf in his office was the same helmet, quite a sureal moment, other evidence included letters and photos with montgomery, his uniforms and trunk this flag came home in, like I said this man was a Senior Australian officer.
The flag was not actually for sale, but I had bought my RKF from the same man, and he wanted this flag to someone who would appreciate it. It was hanging in his antique store, and my "in" was the fact I was the only person who had come into his store and knew what the flag was, and the fact I had purchased the RKF.
Needless to say a price was mentioned and there was no haggling, i felt that would be rude to haggle for such an item, if there is a period of time less than a nano second, then thats how long it was before I was at the nearest cash machine to get the money to secure this......
I was given a period foto along with this,of the man himself in the desert and the persons details, I am going back tommorow to see more and be given more stuff!!!
I will display this flag one day, folded, in a frame with fotos and history. until then its going in a airight bag and stored in a dark dry place.
I cannot believe I own a peice of Australian war history, from a very famous battle in the 70th anniversary.
Enjoy!
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