WW2 Polish 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division Patch Celluloid

Patch in the form of a christmas tree on a white and red background. Made from celluloid, worn condition with a crack.

Patch of the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division, part of the 2nd Polish Corps of General Anders.

These patches were made in Italy in the Town of Castelfidardo from July of 1944 just prior to the Battle of Ancona until around 1947. Castelfidardo was the center of accordion production (which used celluloid). However due to war, the demand for musical instruments was low, as soon as the Polish troops arrived at the local workshops began production of Polish insignia from the celluloid, patches and memorabilia such as this one.