Italian, WW2, Regia Marina “San Marco” Marine Training Centre Bronze Tompion

*Italian, WW2, Regia Marina “San Marco” Marine Training Centre Bronze Tompion*

A scarce and highly unusual Italian Regia Marina-associated bronze emblem or tompion face attributed to the elite San Marco Marine Regiment training establishment during the Second World War. The piece is cast in heavy bronze or brass and displays the famous Lion of Saint Mark advancing with drawn sword beneath a naval rostral crown, with the lower scroll boldly marked “C.T.C. S. MARCO”.

The central device depicts the winged Lion of Saint Mark — historic symbol of Venice and long associated with Italian naval infantry forces — shown holding a raised sword in a martial stance. Above is a naval crown incorporating stylised ship prows and battlements, denoting service within the Royal Italian Navy (Regia Marina). The lower scroll carries the initials “C.T.C.”, generally understood to refer to a San Marco training or complementary troop centre connected with the regiment during the wartime expansion of Italian marine forces.

The piece is of notably heavy cast construction with substantial thickness and weight consistent with a naval decorative fitting, tompion face, artillery plaque, or fixed installation emblem. The reverse is plain and retains the remains of an old mounting point near the crown. The front displays an attractive untouched aged patina with areas of verdigris consistent with prolonged age and exposure.

Approx. Measurements – Width: 11.5 cm. Height 16.8 cm. Weight: approx. 1.8 lbs.

History Note:
The San Marco Regiment formed the elite naval infantry arm of the Italian Regia Marina and saw extensive combat service during the Second World War in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and coastal defence operations. The Lion of Saint Mark had been associated with Venetian maritime power for centuries and became the enduring symbol of Italy’s marine forces. Heavy bronze plaques and decorative tompion fronts bearing unit insignia were traditionally mounted to naval guns, coastal artillery pieces, training establishments, or ceremonial fittings, particularly within prestigious naval formations.

*Condition*
An original wartime cast bronze example showing overall age-related wear, surface oxidation, and scattered verdigris spotting throughout. The reverse is flat, cast plain, and retains the localized remains of an old mounting point near the crown, consistent with being flush-mounted to a wooden gun plug or a ceremonial wooden plaque base. No major cracks or repairs noted. A well-preserved and highly displayable naval marine-related relic with strong period character. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.