On Ne Passe Pas - Maginot Line French Brooch Pin Badge - They Shall Not Pass!

An attractive badge, the part voided version with original pin soldered to reverse. Gilt washed finish with brass showing through on high-points. 36mm in diameter. Sharp detail but with a small hole at 5 o'clock, possibly for the attachment of a safety chain. I have noticed this on a number of these, see my item 57156 for another example with the same hole.

The motto "On ne passe pass" (They shall not pass) was most famously used during the Battle of Verdun in World War I by French General Robert Nivelle. It appeared on propaganda posters, such as that by Maurice Neumont after the Second Battle of the Marne, which was later adopted on uniform badges by units manning the Maginot Line.

Comm GM

Code: 67069