Hi all
As a collector of US Shoulder sleeve Insignia, British made "patches" have always been sought after, however there has been a dearth of any information or original source material of manufacturers contracts etc..
The printed SSI that are most common and seen is ETOUSA, 8th and 9th AAF and they are referred to as used for "raincoat." The US command and soldiers didn't like printed SSI and were more use to and liked fully embroidered but also utilised localised British manufacturers.
Below are several British made.
British fully embroidered are known as schiffli embroidered re 1st, 9th , what sets British made SSI is the fact that they could never get the colour to exact US cable colors and are hence of a lighter shade.
I have located the area where these could of been manufactured and that was the heart of schiffli embroidery production( Lace) of Nottingham and Macclesfied to the north. There was also a well known manufacturer of Uniforms and Insignia John Hewitson who produced schiffli embroidery insignia for the British Army so my thoughts is that is where the US had patches made or there abouts. If anyone could add to this discussion or PM with any info it would be a great help.
All US units had "patches" made in the UK during the war including units that never set foot in Europe!
The 29th Rangers scroll commonly seen is as per Stephen image and 5000 printed for a small elite unit is excessive and would of been stopped mainly because of being printed(not liked)cost and the scroll was unofficial and only worn if locally approved by senior command, hence individual commands within the unit would of probably ordered as per and when required, mainly for winter dress uniform, Ike jacket and khaki shirt which is where you commonly see them on(embroidered on felt gauze backed).And worn British style both shoulders.
Would there have been printed made-yes for samples and probably a small batch,however none have been seen and would be extremely rare and as with all collecting never say never!!
Phill
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