Here we go again...
 

I love the disclaimer:

Before the howling from the self appointed experts begins, allow me and them to acknowledge that whether this regiment ever had its own insignia has never been proved one way or the other, and likely never will. What is common knowledge is that these insignia are somewhere between scarce and rare. The most likely explanation is that the compliment designed and struck their own insignia in the absence of government issue.

He left out the part that it is common knowledge that these badges were produced in the 1980s.

Phil

Unfortunately, there are far too many keyboard collectors out there. They sit and buy badges off the internet, but don't do any research.

keyboard collector is a new one one on me bill, had a little chuckle but it does unfortunately describe a few members of our hobby,sadly badges and insignia are hovered up despite being not being right surely more money than sense comes to mind,

These look like copies of the copies!

Plenty of people who like the sound of their own keyboard out there too!

Personally I find that coming across a badge in some odd place , like a flea market or car boot sale is much more satisfying than trawling the internet although I have purchased a couple that have been advertised on this site but as they say , each to his own.

Hi Gents,

I do agree that finding that treasure on a day out looking through flee markets or antique shops is preferable and when such experiences are possible - more enjoyable that ever buying off the internet. Although I do have to speak up a little for this 'keyboard collector' - as an Englishman in America collecting Canadian badges - I have traveled all over this country and searched countless antique shops etc and to date have not found a single badge worth buying.

Certainly in my collecting youth back in my home town in England, flee markets/antique shops etc were my local haunt but I now find that due to my geographical location the internet and this wonderful website is a blessing and helps me to keep in touch with fellow collectors, educate myself on my new topic of interest and importantly afford me the opportunity to acquire wonderful pieces for my passion.

Would I prefer to spend my mornings discovering treasures at a local flee market? Yes of course I would 'and' I still keep looking. And maybe I will get up to Canada sometime, meet up with friends and trawl some of the shops. But for now my 'collection' would amount to exactly 'zero' Canadian badges if it were not for the internet.

The previous comment "each to their own" was of course very apt and correct but sometimes ones choice in the matter is limited - in my case geography but in the case of a good friend his severe disability.

All the best, Roy.

Hi Roy, The comment was made in reference to collectors who only seem to collect online, and without using the available fora and social media or reference material to learn about what they are collecting. Evident in the number of reproductions that are being sold as original, it is clear that the buyers are not doing their due diligence.
As indicated there are circumstances that prevent one from getting out to collect, and you are an excellent example of an individual who is using the internet to advantage. The reference to keyboard collecting was to those who are buying badges without due diligence and research.

Hi Bill,

Thanks for that clarification, point well made and understood. As a life long militaria collector I find it inconceivable that any collector would 'not' be interesting in the study and self-education of their chosen topic. After all that is a large part of what makes collecting so fascinating.

Speaking for myself I have yet to visit your fine country (but hope to one day) but my latest foray into collecting Canadian badges has opened up a whole new world of military interest and I do just love being a beginner - so much great stuff to learn :)

Cheers, Roy.

I have to say that the passion and expertise of members of this forum have served as a real stimulus to me to learn as much as I can and the forum is certainly a rich resource. I hope also, Roy that you do manage to visit Canada.....it is such a beautiful country with stunning scenery and wonderful people.

Hi,

Yes - visiting Canada is certainly at the top of my to-do list. I have been in the US nine years now and have lived and traveled all over, a wonderful country. But I'm very keen to visit Canada, not least of which is that I have many clients/friends up there and have plenty of invites. My only problem is my British passport ran out years ago....:eek: Need to get that sorted...!

When I do get up there it will be fun to visit some of the places I have learned about through badge collecting. I'm sure that alone with bring a whole new perspective to this passion.

Cheers, Roy.

Caution, blatant advert. ahead.

If you drive up through Montana to Alberta, stop in at Fort Macleod and visit Samual Roland Antiques (My Mom's store!). I have a large military display there.

Mike

I smell poop. Oh wait, my daughters puppy pooped on the floor, so maybe there is no smell from the badge. I thought I may have got 'smell-o-vision' during my last computer update.

Ignore me, I am tired, it is late for me. I should be in bed, not doing my best impression of a keyboard collector.

Back to the original post.
These Canadian SAS badges keep showing up. It is well documented where they originated, so there is no excuse for trying to pass them off for anything other than fantasy pieces.

Phil