Original WWI Austro-Hungarian Empire Machine Gunner Cap BadgeThis insignia was worn on the field cap or uniform cap of soldiers serving in machine gun units of the Austro-Hungarian Army during WWI (1914–1918). These badges were privately purchased patriotic or branch-specific insignia commonly worn by soldiers to show unit type, specialty, or pride in service. Machine gun units were considered elite and modern formations during WWI, making related insignia desirable among collectors today.
This original badge features a distinctive circular target-style design with a lightning bolt arrow passing diagonally through the center, symbolic of machine gun or communications personnel during WWI.
It has a nice aged patina and fine detailing remains visible on both the circular border and stylized arrow. 
