Rare World War II French Resistance Armband WWII WW2 FFI for Sale

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Rare World War II French Resistance Armband WWII WW2 FFI For Sale

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Rare World War II French Resistance Armband WWII WW2 FFI:
$375.00

FFI or French Forces of the Interior (Forces Françaises de l'Intérieur) refers to French resistance fighters in the later stages of World War II. Charles de Gaulle used it as a formal name for the resistance fighters. The change in designation of these groups to FFI occurred as France's status changed from that of an occupied nation to one of a nation being liberated by the Allied armies. As regions of France were liberated, the FFI were more formally organized into light infantry units and served as a valuable manpower addition to regular Free French forces. In this role, the FFI units manned less active areas of the front lines, allowing regular French army units to practice economy of force measures and mass their troops in decisive areas of the front. Finally, from October 1944 and with the greater part of France liberated, the FFI units were amalgamated into the French regular forces continuing the fight on the Western Front, thus ending the era of the French irregulars in World War II.

Due to lack of uniforms and equipment FFI fighters created armbands many with the Lorraine cross, colors of the French Flag and FFI in order to properly identify themselves to the various allied fighters moving throughout their country.

This example features a red, white, and blue printed armband depicting the French flag. The center of the flag bears the letters "FFI", which is the abbreviation for the "Forces Françaises de l'Intérieur" (French Resistance Fighters). The armband is secured by a simple button and loop configuration. Below the "FFI" stamp, there is a number "32" also stamped in black ink.

These armbands are very difficult to find - with ost on the market today being reproduction. The example featured here is completely original and ready for display in your collection. Rare.

Measures approximately 8 3/4" x 4 1/4".

The armband remains in good condition, showing signs of age, use, and wear. Age discoloration and fading is evident. Yellow stains from age are evident. Please see the pictures for more detail.

Guaranteed 100% authentic in every respect for life. Be sure to see our other listing for more historical antiques and militaria. Be sure to follow our store as new inventory is added daily