British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum (https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/forums/index.php)

- Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force (https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=7)

- - RAF 'Pathfinder' (https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4355)

Quote:

Originally Posted by billy (Post 145738)

Hi here is an Aircrew brass badge with screw-posts, could fit the bill to be used as a Pathfinder badge and the 2nd a Silver Albatross which I was informed was a Pathfinders and as I see in all probability miss-informed, nice badge all the same but now I ask is this nothing more than a Sweet-hearts brooch! not that that,s a bad thing!! any information would be welcome and hope i,ve posted something usefull to some-one!

There is no such thing as an Albatross badge in connection with either the RNAS or the RAF. IT IS, and always has been, AN EAGLE BADGE FOR BOTH !

Well said, I think the problem is simply that a number of people have clearly never actually seen an Albatross.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gjks (Post 431366)

There is no such thing as an Albatross badge in connection with either the RNAS or the RAF. IT IS, and always has been, AN EAGLE BADGE FOR BOTH !

Commonly known within the RAF as a shitehawk, or certainly was in my father's time and my time.

This has been discussed on a number of occasions, quite frankly, any eagle actually worn as a Pathfinder badge, by a member of 8 Group, is, in effect, a Pathfinder badge, notwithstanding, what it may have originally been intended for.
The only difference is that the badge you refer to was actually made as a Pathfinder badge, it has been suggested that these are post war, made for the PFF Association, but, like you, I believe that some were issued to members of 8 Group during the war, moreover, I too, have had them in good original groups.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 408Sqdn (Post 379163)

This is a subject on which there is much debate, with an almost impossible goal of agreement. As a staff member at the RAF Pathfinder Museum, I have access to many established and contemporary examples.

The types and styles of the PF badges in the collection include those with pin backs, screw posts and 'blade' fittings. All such types were definitely worn as period pieces.

The type I personally favour is the pin back version with the 'barrel' pin holder and 'squared' catch loop, but that is not to say that the other types are not 'right'.

I would suggest that badges which do not come direct from veterans must be treated with caution unless accompanied by undoubted provenance and / or an original Pathfinder award certificate signed by AVM D.C.T. Bennett.

I have in my own collection one which I believe is beyond doubt, which came with no certificate, direct from a veteran's family with medals and other undoubted original documents. It is the same type as offered for viewing by forum member 'arrestingu' earlier in this thread.

What are your thoughts on this example?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WW2-RAF-P...sAAOSwVoFaoq-C

I think it's significant that there have been no bids. That tells you something, doesn't it?
David

A brooched eagle minus pin.
The hinge fitting has been solder repaired or adapted to brooch pin at some time.
The hook fitting is original to the badge and is of yellow metal matching the eagle.
Is the hook adapted from a lug fitting (I haven't seen that sort of lug fitting before if it is) or was it originally fitted as a hook?
A badge adapted from lugged to a brooched sweetheart or a badge that was originally brooched?

Again, another eagle, unless, you know the original wearer's identity?

Quote:

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen (Post 457497)

Yes, it is.
The question was re. the fittings.
I'm taking the badge to be a form of sweetheart.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wright241 (Post 145290)

I am willing to send you pics of the back for personal use only, but will not post it, due to all the copying and fakers around. They can improve their faking skills enough as it is.... but not at my expense.
David

Yet to see them achieve it. The problem is not the fakers imo (in my opinion) but the ignorance of people that collect. Forums like this exist to educate, to sift through the facts, misinformation and disinformation.
I was doubtful about one Rhodesian item I saw in a decade. One out of thousands.
'When learning stops ignorance flourishes.' — Me.

It would depend simply upon who wore it, you have posted the photograph in a Pathfinder badge thread, members of the Pathfinder force wore the badges they were given.

Quote:

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen (Post 467007)

Yes, it is.
The question was re. the fittings.
I'm taking the badge to be a form of sweetheart.