Indian Parachute Regiment badge

[gurkharifles]

So further to my thread in the fairs and auction section I've been dismantling some of the 10 Gurkha frames including the Gurkha para frame - this badge was in the frame . It's a heavy cast possibly native silver with nicely toned lugs. But it's not my field is it genuine? The collector who put together the frames seems to have had a very discerning eye of the 125 badges,buttons, titles etc that were in the frames I've only found one that was a copy. So is this one good and if so what's it worth because I'll be happy to move it on as its not strictly Gurkha ( I know that the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the Indian Paras were direct decedent of 153 and 154 Gurkha paras - but I need to draw the line somewhere!) Tim

[gurkharifles]

And the back.....

[fougasse1940]

Not an expert, but it has the pointy wingtip on the left and squarish feathers associated with fake badges.

Rgds, Thomas.

[peter monahan]

There doesn't seem to be anything that isn't being copied or faked, particularly in what is often called the 'special forces' / 'elite unit' field. And, sadly, the difference between copy and fake is often only intent: I made up these copies, and widely announced that they were copies, for me re-enactment unit / bridge club / school play. 10 years later their on ebay as newly discovered originals.

[Frank Kelley]

"Newly discovered originals"

[Unknownsoldier]

Originally Posted by peter monahan

There doesn't seem to be anything that isn't being copied or faked, particularly in what is often called the 'special forces' / 'elite unit' field. And, sadly, the difference between copy and fake is often only intent: I made up these copies, and widely announced that they were copies, for me re-enactment unit / bridge club / school play. 10 years later their on ebay as newly discovered originals.

Yep, I have an ILRG badge in my collection (little hope of ever getting a real one), but I was given a copy by a re-enactor (smashing guy ) who had had them cast from a genuine one he owned, he had I think 20 done for his group, and that was it....I wonder how long before one of them dies and his old uniform/hats gets sold as a loft find

[peter monahan]

Originally Posted by Unknownsoldier

Yep, I have an ILRG badge in my collection (little hope of ever getting a real one), but I was given a copy by a re-enactor (smashing guy ) who had had them cast from a genuine one he owned, he had I think 20 done for his group, and that was it....I wonder how long before one of them dies and his old uniform/hats gets sold as a loft find

I have a friend who makes museum quality uniforms for museums all over Europe and N America and for private collectors. Mostly 19th century British and French. His stuff has shown up for sale as 'original' and 'find' on several occasions, though they are clearly good copies if one does the research. Fools and their money!