Germany, Wehrmacht. A Slovakian Schnelle Division Badge

(Slowakische Schnelle-Division Abzeichen). Constructed of silvered zink, the obverse consisting of a circular laurel leaf wreath, topped by a Slovak national eagle, above initials “RD” for Rýchla Divízia (Rapid Division) and a truck bearing raised dates “1941-1943”, the reverse with a crimped barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, the reverse with an illegible maker’s mark, measuring 50 mm (w) x 54 mm (h), with oxidation and loss of finish evident, in fair condition.

Footnote: In 1939, the Slovak Republic committed a small, partially-motorized brigade of approximately 3,500 troops to participate in the German invasion of Poland. Operating under German Wehrmacht command, the unit grew into a much larger rapid mobile force of approximately 10,000 troops, seeing extensive action on the Eastern Front between 1941 and 1943.