Historama Autumn Mail Auction #5

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 clothes or on a hat; initially employed in keeping order at public places; in WWII, in civil air-defence. During the War it was re-assigned to authority of the 'Haganah' Jewish self-defence militia, and its emblem changed.