Rare WW2 Fascist Italian Africa Colonial Police Badge. Screw Lugs Intact.

Rare WW2 Fascist Italian Africa Colonial Police Badge.  Screw Lugs Intact.

A bronzed metal badge with enamel cartouche worn by the members of the Italian Africa Colonial Police (Polizia dell'Africa Italiana, PAI) during World War 2.  The badge is in overall good condition with slight enamel loss to the lower left of the cartouche.  Both screw lugs are intact.
Size : 44 x 26mm
The Italian Africa Police (Polizia dell'Africa Italiana, PAI) was a colonial police force established by Fascist Italy in 1936 to maintain order in Italys African territories, primarily Italian East Africa (Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia) and later Italian Libya. It combined military and law enforcement duties, acting as both a gendarmerie and a counter-insurgency force.
PAI was known for its strict discipline, selective recruitment (including both Italians and indigenous troops), and modern equipment. It played a significant role in suppressing resistance, particularly in Ethiopia. During World War II, PAI units participated in military operations, including the defense of Italian colonies against British advances.
After Italys colonial empire collapsed in 1941, the PAI continued to operate in a limited capacity in Libya until it was officially dissolved in 1945 following Italy's defeat in WWII.