Have interest in these badges and know that there is a 509 Abn connection and trying to get idea as to value and have inquired at shows and none were available and had not been seen at the big shows. Interested in only authentic WW2 type. Thanks for your help.

I saw one of the Italian made cast 3rd Zouaves badges a couple of years ago for sale at an insignia show and as I recall the asking price was $700.00.

Thanks for the information. Was under the impression that what is considered to be authentic badges are those with French hallmarks such as Drago Depose' and Chombrillion,etc.

Based on 3rd Zouave badges documented to 509th PIB veterans, some are hallmarked and French made, some are unmarked and French made and some are unmarked and locally made.

 

Unless a 3rd Zouave badge is documented to a 509th veteran, then they are only worth what a 3rd Zouave badge sells for to French badge collectors. With that said, many WW II 509th veterans never received a 3rd Zouave badge.

Here are photos of a wartime French manufactured piece with the hallmarks you spoke of.

 

 

Here are photos of a wartime theater made piece that I was told was made in Italy.

 

 

 

 

Tonomachi,thanks for posting the badges. Post #5 you can see Depose' stamp to the left of the pin.