Historama Autumn Mail Auction #5

Russia: silver Poltina (half Rouble), 1769 CA w/oblique milled edge; KM# C-66a; in F. Est. value $500

Eretz Israel/Yishuv undocumented military organization emblem pin, c. 1920s-30s; 1.25g: Star of David w/"Zion" in Bezalel style writing surmounted on crossed swords - reminiscent of WWI German veterans' medals. Probably belongs to either the "Association of Jewish Officers in Eretz Israel" (אגודת הקצינים העבריים), founded in TLV in 1935, or "Union of Jewish Combatants" (התאחדות לוחמי החזית העברים בארץ–ישראל) whose emblems...

World War II "Hebrew [Jewish] Recruitment" ('Giyus Ivri') bakelite pin, c. 1939-45; not maker-marked; 16mm, 1.05g. Round gray base surmounted by w/light blue square w/stylized white Heb. letter "Gimmel" whose base stroke formed by letter "Ayin". This was Yishuv leadership's symbol for the recruitment drives for volunteers to serve in the British military during the War; pins was worn by those who enlisted. Similar pins w/o...

WWII Palestinian serviceman in British forces "Palestine" curved metal shoulder tag; size: 51.5mm wide; weight: 9.8g. With 2-pronged reverse. Worn by Jewish and Arab soldiers in service in the British Army.

"Kofer ha'Yishuv" female donor ring, 1938-1939; 2.15cm; 2.3g. Between 1938-48 the Jewish community in Pal. instituted self-defence fund-raising program (Kofer Ha'Yishuv - 'Community Levy'), a non-voluntary levy self-imposed on the Jews - on imports, entertainment, drinks, & even as imposed contributions during key Jewish holidays (evaders faced "honor courts"). Residents were encouraged to donate items of precious metals...

Palestine/Yishuv: silvered-bronze emblem pin of WWII-era civil air-defence service 'Haga' (Heb. abbr. 'Hagana Avirit'), 1939-45; not maker-marked; 21 x 27mm, 4.9g. Depicts shield w/3 downward facing bombs, set against Star of David & surrounded by wreaths; above in flag device is legend "For the Volunteers from Among the Nation" ("LaMitnadvim Ba'Am" - common expression in both World Wars for local Jews who volunteered for...

Veterans pin for Palestinian Jewish volunteers in the British military in World War II, circa. 1954; not maker-marked; 17 x 20mm, 2.85g. Depicts sword (base transformed into olive branch) breaking ring of barbed wire & chain enclosing a Star of David, set against [blue & white] stripes of Israeli/pre-State flag; may date to 1954, when an official celebration of 10 years to the founding of the Jewish Brigade took place...

Palestine/Yishuv: first version light-green emblem pin of the Tel Aviv 'Mishmar Ezrachi' ('Civil Guard') circa. 1938-early 1940s; not maker-marked; 2.1g. The design is a stylized combination of the Municipality's emblem (of a lighthouse on a shield) and a Star of David: above is the name "Tel Aviv" and below the initials "ME". A civilian volunteer force established by the TLV municipality, this pin was worn on civilian...

Mandate: lot 3x buttons (2x metal, 1 bakelite) from service uniforms of the Palestine Police and Palestine Railways; maker-marked on back - Firmin of London & James Grove and Sons Halesowen

Palestine Police Force silver finished cap badge with 2-lugged back; size: 29.5 x 44mm; weight: 7.2g. Maker-marked ("Dowler" of Birmingham -?).

Palestine Police Force blackened nickel-brass(?) cap badge with 2-pronged back; size: 30 x 44mm; weight: 8.5g. Heavier than the standard badge. Not maker marked.

Israel: Palmach emblem breast badge, 1948; not maker-marked (Yitzhak Meir's design based on Shoshana Spector's original); 1.35g. Twin-prong loop reverse - unusual. Issued to everyone who was a Palmach member prior to 29 November 1947 during a Palmach assembly at the 'HaBima' theater commemorating the force's 7th anniversary, on 7 May 1948. Worn on the left pocket flap & replaced 1951 by War of...