KATANGA Gendarmerie parachute wings, 1960s, bullion, replica?

Metal thread and bullion wire on brown cloth base.

Katanga was a breakaway state that proclaimed its independence from the Republic of Congo-Léopoldville on 11 July 1960 under Moise Tshombe and existed as an independent state until 1963. Katanga's military force, designated the Katanga Gendarmerie, was raised by the Tshombe government, and was initially organised and trained by regular Belgian officers and subsequently by European mercenaries from various nations.