Code: 55377
This bronze lapel Pin is the first of a number of items from one collection relating to volunteers from Britain who went to Spain to join The International Brigade.
Approximately 22mm in diameter the pin depicts a clenched fist over the Spanish mainland surmounting a star with Voluntarios Internacionales De La Libertad with a very early date band 1936 – 1937, the reverse with the makers details, Toye & Co. London.
A very rare badge in very good condition.
In April 1931 the new Republican Government in Spain began implementing social reforms. They were strongly opposed by the landowners, Catholic Church and traditional elements within the army.
In the 1933 elections Spain swung to the right and the new government reversed many of the changes. Parties of the left united in the Popular Front and won the 1936 elections. After violent street battles between left and right in 1936, Nationalist army officers led by General Franco staged a coup to overthrow the Republican Government. They were aided by fascist Italy and Nazi Germany which supplied money, weapons, and troops. Britain refused to intervene.
International Brigades
Some 30,000 foreign volunteers, including many from Britain, went to fight in the International Brigades for the Republic.
