British Field Marshal ranks query 1

[achern]

Gents, does anybody know what these rank badges really are? They look like field marshal and general ranks, but I have not come across these one-piece types. Comments are most welcome.

alf

[kingsley]

i have never seen the Field Marshall badges before but they are appear to be out of the same stable as the General's (cast). Maybe they are Indian or Egyptian made.
I have had a couple of the Generals' badges, one a high quality diestruck and the other a fairly good quality casting (different detail to the one illustrated). I will have a look at my picture file (on my other computer) and attach it tomorrow.
I have seen a similar badge posted on the Canadian section of the Forum a year or so ago, slightly different detail again.
There is a famous picture of the Australian General Monash and his staff in WW1 wearing this bronze badge.

[badgecollector]

heres Major General Sir John Gellibrand
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-1...ibrand/5668110

[achern]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I think both the FM pieces are cast. I seem to remember that before George VI, the rank insignia was made in one piece, with the crown as part of the badge. The size is identical to the metal FM shoulder insignia of today, but I'm wondering how authentic these are.

The generals' badges are really small. They are the same size as the FM ranks and appear to be better finished. At least the back was ground flat before the lugs were attached. Where could these badges have been worn? They're certainly too small to be for the cap, and they come in a pair with the left and right facing swords.

[kingsley]

Your generals' badges are undoubtedly designed for wear on an epaulette.
Attached my scans of the cast cap badge. Haven't got one of the die-struck type.