Extremely Rare 1950s N. African-Made Beret Badge for French 23rd Commandos

This is an extremely rare circa late 1950s beret badge for the French 23rd Commandos. The badge is North African-made and shows a ferocious tiger's head and an anchor at center. The border reads COMMANDO RUSCONI CHIEN THANG BINH CINH (sic). The 23rd Commandos served at Chien Thang and Binh Dinh (place name misspelled on badge) and were later named for their famous commander, Charles Alphonse Rusconi, who died in a surprise Viet Minh raid in February 1952.

Circa late 1950s.

Approximately 1-3/4" in diameter.

Plated brass.

Vertical safety-style pin.

None.

This is from a foreign militaria collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. ebay VCEX13 LDIEX2/13

6 (Fine+): The badge has some areas of medium wear and tarnish.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.