Berets

[Donny B.]

I acquired these berets recently. Since they are not really my "thing" I don't know much about them nor do I have much reference material on this sort of thing but I feel obliged to keep them and make the most of them as they were part of a gift, given in good faith, from a very good friend.

I presume they are Australian since one of them has a "Christies, Sydney," retailers(?) tag on it but when I Google "Kent" I seem to come up with either a series of fashion retailers or Asian manufacturers. Are these berets indeed Australian, and if so are they likely to be military.

If they are military and I was to badge them up, given the colours, maroon and black, and any information era wise that may be gleaned from the manufacturer's stamps or their manufactured style, what would be the most appropriate or desirable badges to use without trying to make them look like something they are not?

Any advice appreciated

Donny B.

[fairlie63]

Hi Donny, Kent berets were indeed retailed by Christies of Sydney, still are I think, and many including myself replaced the shapeless stiff Army issue beret with them. Keith

[Donny B.]

Thanks, Keith. That settles the Australian-ness of them.

Any suggestions as to appropriate badges? I need to show a friend that I appreciate them.

Donny B.

[slick_mick]

Kent berets are still sold by Christies (can confirm that as they still have heaps in the Pitt St, Sydney shop).

I pop in their occasionally as it's close to my work.

I wore a black kent beret back when I was in the army (early 1990s).

As for badges, the maroon one looks like a fade airborne beret - maybe stick a RAR badge on it?

Is the other one black or dark blue? If black, that's only worn by members of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps.

Mick

[Donny B.]

Thanks for that added information, Mick.

I shall proceed accordingly.

Actually the maroon one is not quite as faded as the photo makes it appear to be.....it must have been the light....... and the other one is black.

I like to show that gifts are appreciated, even if they don't really quite fit my collection.

Donny B.

[slick_mick]

In that case go with an RAR badge (or RAAOC if you want to represent a para rigger) and put a RAAC corps badge (or one of the regimental badges) on the black beret.

Mick