EXTR RARE 2 SILV/GOLD "FREE FRENCH FORCES" WWII PINS NR Start Price USD 49.00 Current Price USD 49.00 Time Left - Bid Count 1 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, September 05, 2008 End Time Friday, September 12, 2008 Location Northeastern Ohio See more about 'EXTR RARE 2 SILV/GOLD "FREE FRENCH FORCES" WWII PINS NR' Description PHENOMENAL ESTATE FIND!!   Packed away in an old wooden box from a WWII veteran’s estate I found these incredibly rare, silver & gold, “Free French Forces” pins!!! One pin features a superbly crafted, rococo, capital letter “F” with a gold Cross of Lorraine on it; and the other pin features a beautifully sensitive, repousse portrait of St. Joan of Arc with one fleur-de-lis around her neck, and one fleur-de-lis in front of her face. The St. Joan portrait plaque is surrounded by an elongated, Napoleonic bound wreath.   ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING & RARE PAIR OF WWII PINS!!!   The Free French Forces (Forces Françaises Libres, FFL) according to Wikipedia were: “French fighters in World War II who decided to continue fighting against Axis forces after the surrender of France and subsequent German occupation.”   General Charles de Gaulle founded the FFL in 1940 to continue the fight against the Nazis after the fall of France.   These pins are incredibly significant pieces of history, and since they are rather subtle in their military symbolism, they could've been worn as a sort of secret sign of membership in the FFL.   Information about the significance of the Cross of Lorraine and St. Joan to the FFL can also be researched on wonderful Wikipedia. Here's some info I found:      "The Cross of Lorraine is part of the heraldic arms of Lorraine in eastern France. It was originally held to be a symbol of Joan of Arc, renowned for her perseverance against foreign invaders of France (in her case, the English).      Between 1871 and 1918 (and again between 1940-1944), the northern third of Lorraine was annexed to Germany, along with Alsace. During that period the cross served as a rallying point for French ambitions to recover its lost provinces. This historical significance lent it considerable weight as a symbol of French patriotism.      The Vice-amiral Emile Muselier suggested the adoption of the Cross of Lorraine as symbol of the Free French, both to recall the perseverance of Joan of Arc (whose symbol it had been), and as an answer to the Hakenkreuz.      During World War II, the cross was adopted as the official symbol of the Free French Forces (French: Forces Françaises Libres, or FFL) under Charles de Gaulle."   These treasures are unmarked, so I can’t guarantee metal content, but I believe they are probably sterling or coin silver & gold. However, because of wartime shortages, they might’ve been made from other types of metals.   What an amazing gift these would be for your favorite WWII collector! So historically significant and meaningful!!   Please be sure to click on all of the photos below for super-sized close ups!  (I’ve posted a photo of an FFL helmet with the famous Cross of Lorraine on it for your reference. The helmet is not included in this auction.)   Don’t miss this chance to add this wonderful pair of rare pieces of militaria to your collection today! (Remember…shukgirl is known for her excellent packaging, and all items are shipped with optional insurance & delivery confirmation, so your treasures will arrive unharmed!)   Shipping will run $5. plus optional insurance, with international shipping a bit more. I accept money orders (international money orders), cashier’s checks, Paypal, personal checks (buyer must allow 10 business days after I receive payment, for personal checks to clear my bank). THANKS!   All items sold as is, as found. All sales final. PLEASE CHECK OUT MY OTHER AUCTIONS FOR ALL THE OTHER INCREDIBLE ITEMS I’M OFFERING THIS WEEK!! Seller reserves the right to refuse to do business with deadbeat bidders, excessive negative feedback folks, and generally dishonorable persons!   If you are a mint-in-box, loupe-eyed perfectionist, then please be aware that all items, unless otherwise stated, are vintage, used, secondhand, old, and not new! Expect items to have some normal wear and know that I am describing them and photographing them to the best of my abilities. If you are at all unsure, PLEASE don’t bid on my items! It’ll save us both a lot of grief! When in doubt, PLEASE ask all questions well BEFORE the end of the auction. Best of luck with your bidding!!! Place a Bid!