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#16
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You're absolutely right about the variations existing on private purchase wings. I was just stressing the fact that these wings were prescribed by Army regulations to approximately 2" in width, too small to fit the pouch (2" 3/4). Any idea about the market price of an early version of these wings? |
#17
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The variety of wings is huge as already stated throughout this thread.
Here is an interesting one (to the left of the more standard Far East one) - I believe it is NOT mess dress but in fact a variety worn by Indian Units in side cap. I stand to be corrected given red backing, but I have seen this on a black backing too. For an example in wear see Peter Taylor: Allied Special Forces Insignia 1939-1948 pages 156 and 157. The example below is just 60mm by 27mm. I hope this helps - it certainly illustrates the point of variant sizes. Mike |
#18
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It is indeed a possibility that this badge could not have been mess dress. You're right about the wartime wings worn by Indian units on soft headdress (ref Oliver Lock p36). I have attached this sample that was for sale on EBay. It is very small (31mm x 25) and I can't imagine it could have been mounted on a patrol uniform. BTW, I've read that these 'blues' were re-established around 1947. Does it mean the bullion wings for mess dress were likely not worn before? |
#19
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You should find an example without having to break the bank, everyone wore them, they are very common, so just a few pounds, I would think.
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#20
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Thanks to everyone's contribution.
Is it fair to say that two size of bullion wings existed? - full size for Blues or #1 dress approx. 3" 1/4 wide - small size for mess dress approx. 2" wide |
#21
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I think that is quite a difficult question to answer, regarding the blues wing, certainly if you are talking about that initial post war decade, I don't think I have ever seen a three and a quarter inch example and I have seen many down the years, but, that sounds rather too large.
Mess dress is another issue altogether, whilst it may be true to say it had not died a death completely during the war, you must bear in mind the number of people that actually had it to wear in the first place and in particular, the period that you are looking at. The Parachute Regiment did not have a permanent cadre and was in effect run by simply seconding officers from the various infantry regiments, but, only after they had completed their training and a usually quite considerable period of regimental duty. If they were not already parachute trained and most were not, the ended up at the hands of what would become P Company, which was simply a smaller, although rather extended version of the wartime Parachute Holding and Training Battalion, those officers who had Mess Dress simply wore that of their own regiment, but, ultimately yes, you do encounter older, really quite small examples, that appear to be Mess Dress wings. Last edited by Frank Kelley; 11-07-17 at 12:16 PM. |
#22
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These two wings are large (3 1/4). Would you say they are post 50s by the look of their design? |
#23
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Can you post a clear image of there reverse please?
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#24
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Here you go.
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#25
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Yes, I would agree with that.
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#26
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Thanks Frank.
Any particular details you would recommend to look at for these early bullion wings? |
#27
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Thanks to Ken Joyce, I was able to reunite the wings to the pouch.
The pouch was originally part of a souvenir belt that was presented on this forum years ago http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...highlight=belt The wings are apparently an early type with the basket embroidered with similar red thread used for the 3rd para inscription, I would imagine by the first owner for decoration purposes. End of this story. Thanks to everyone's contribution. |
#28
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A very good result, although, it does make one wonder just how and why they were ever separated in the first place, what is the measurement of these wings?
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#29
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The measurements (inner badge) are consistent with the standard wings 74mm by 28mm. I can't explained why the outline of the badge was smaller (69mm by 28mm). Maybe the badge was glued to the pouch which could explained the smaller size. Obviously, the material around the edge of the badge was folded back. Ken told me he decided to remove the badges from the belt and sold most of them but kept the Canadian ones and these wings. I myself subsequently acquired the pouch, the Guards shoulder titles and the Airborne title a couple of years ago. I finally purchased the wings from Ken recently. I can post photos of the wings if interested. Cheers Pierre |
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