Arm of Service Strips
 

Hi friends

One of the joys of collecting is adding to a collection some items you thought you would never win.

I checked Badges on Battle Dress and they look legit WWII era but would like to have confirmation and or any additional info on any of the strips.

I could not figure out the colour scarlet and Red so Im assuming the single bar is for senior brigade or if a specific badge (staff General list) could add to the type Arm of Service.

What is interesting is they are all different sizes and construction.

Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

Phill

Could the embroidered red on khaki be a vertical indicator of battalion?

Hi,
Could you tell me if the Royal Corps of Signals strip has a small piece of white cloth at the jonction of the 2 parts of the strip. If yes, I am afraid it is a reproduction.
Regards
Normandie18

Officially the sizes were:
Arm of Service Strips 1944 (Cloth) 2 by ¼ inch.
Arm of Service Strips 1953 (Cloth) 2 by 5/16 inch.

Marc

Officially they were supposed to be those sizes, but other than perhaps some of the pre made factory embroidered ones, they are everything but!
I have a small collection of ww2 combination and cut off from uniform formation signs, and no two are the same, particularly the red infantry which are usually just cut from felt or wool and applied in various manners.
I might add that there are some known repros, but other than that, it can be impossible to determine if fake or period originals.
CB

Hi guys

Normandie

No need to apologize, here to learn.

Yes it it does have a white cloth at the junction and it glows like a xmas tree along with the felt white strip. So indeed a reproduction.

Thanks Marc

will get measuring. Have to check BoBD for more info on post war AOS-they are big tombstone stones and haven't quite gone thru every page!!!

Much appreciated CB

Thanks again guys I just like that they are all different size and construction

Anymore comments and opinions welcomed

cheers

Phill

This is the most unusual example I have for the R. Norfolk 47th Div.
The are not even wool, but a cotton or linen like material and wider than normally seen.

Thanks CB

Please post more examples of AOS so we can get a good section of WWII and Post WWII comparisons.

I will get measuring after work and ask a few more questions.

If any one has anymore examples please post.

cheers

Phill

Some of mine here
https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...31&postcount=4

Tim

This thread has prompted me to dig out the three-fold chart shown on the attached pics, dated on the cover to 24 Mar 1942.

It shows the rank badge backings and arm of service strips existing at that date and has attached with a treasury tag four strips introduced after the original series in September 1940. These include the exceptionally rare - and oft disputed - strip for the Army Air Corps which was never worn.

This particular chart will be offered for sale by Robin McGregor in his Christmas sale on https://www.mcgregor.uk.net/ which runs from 19th to 26th December.

To add to the mix I have also attached an example of a printed arm of service strip.

Jon

More variations.

Jon

Thank you Jon

Currently I'm using BBD to document my AOS strips.

I'm measuring them and documenting construction,size melton wool,felt, machine embroidered etc and might have probable post WWII strip based on Marc measurements which I will post a comparison(44/53) image.

I was interested in the difference between the colours scarlet and Red.

The chart is a bonus for collectors.

Thank you Tim for adding your strips to the discussion.

Phill

I certainly admire your enthusiasm for these; but I dont think they can be categorized too deeply due to the vast variety and lack of standardization. That chart was wishful thinking in a way and can only be a guide as to what was intended, but not possible to realize with any great degree of accuracy.
Scarlet is a brighter shade of red, but in practice, was not be adhered to with much consistency due to wartime conditions and availability. This applies to the other colors as well of course.
Still editing here...note that there is a little more consistency on the factory made types. So many AOS were obviously made by moms, local tailors, regimental tailors etc.
Also, fading occurs with wear and time, so the shades we see on some examples now may not have been as such when made.

CB

Hi CB

Much appreciated for the input.

As a collector I want to know more about any insignia I collect. So one of my check list is to the construction, thread , material ,how it was put together etc. Also engaging in dialogue with very knowledgeable contacts, forums and researching. This helps me in identifying what I am looking at.

To me thats one of the enjoyable parts of the hobby.

So with the AOS strips this is a new category, for me at least,and you are correct and I agree 100% with the points you have raised.

The good discussion point's is that there are many variations and already Normandie has pointed out a repro so in some cases I know what to look for good or bad, which i did not know.

The info you have provided is what I'm looking for, so I appreciate all the help.

Phill

Hey :)
So is this what these are :confused:

T x