Italian WWII Alpini Officer’s Cap Eagle-This is a large hand embroidered gold bullion eagle that was removed from an officers cap. It sits on a gray badge cloth that is in very good condition. At the eagles’ feet is a black wool cockade. This eagle stands 3 inches (7.62 cm) tall, with a wingspan of 4 ½ inches (11.43cm). This eagle style is for the Alpine or mountain troops of Italy. The Alpini are the oldest active mountain infantry in the world. Their original mission was to protect Italy's border with France and Austria-Hungary. During World War II, the Alpini fought alongside the Axis forces primarily in the Balkans Campaigns and on the Eastern Front. There were six Alpine divisions fighting in WW2. This cap eagle is excellent, and a rare find.