1937 French Parachute Section badge -- good?
 

Hello all,

I recently obtained a French "Section de Parachutistes" (Parachutist Section) badge, and I'd appreciate opinions regarding its authenticity from Forum members who specialize in French insignia.

The original badges were made in 1937 by Mourgeon for the first French parachute school established at Avignon-Pujaut, where volunteers for the 601st and 602nd "Compagnie d'Infanterie l'Air" (Air Infantry Company) were trained.

The badge was reproduced in 1970 by M. Richard, but there are slight differences on the front of the two versions. Additionally, a fellow collector who has handled a couple of the Richard reproductions tells me they have the "Mourgeon Paris" postwar hallmark on the back of the badge (thanks Scott). I've compared the photos on page 5 of the book "French Parachutist Brevets" by Lafleur and Pugh of the original 1937 badge (no. A-30) and the Richard reproduction (A-31), and the badge in hand looks like it may be an original, as far as I can surmise.

Whether good news or bad, I'd appreciate an expert opinion on this one.

Best regards,
Donovan

Hi, whilst far from an expert I am a collector of French insignia (but mainly the French Brevet Parachutiste Militaire (BPM)......anyway my best reference book by Jacques Baltzer & Eric Micheletti has some clear images of a badge such as yours and lists one each with and without (sans marque) the Mourgeon mark, the only thing missing in all the book illustrations are photos of the reverse but otherwise its a good reference........do you have any other French airbourne forces insignia..........??

Phil

Hello,
There are 3 types of this badge.
Yours
a badge with 2 rings on the reverse
a badge with the manufacturer's markings
Yours is the only genuine one.
This is a rare badge
best regards

Thank you Grognard94, excellent news. I appreciate the confirmation.

Stay well,
Donovan

Nice addition Donovan.

Paul

Thanks Paul, I appreciate it. Hope all is well with you.

Cheers,
Donovan

Hi Donovan,

In fact it is little bit more complicated... there is still no evidence in regulations or on period pictures that this badge was actually miltary, or even worn by military personnel ... (I should be interested to have one !)

The unit in Avignon-Pujaut was the CIP (Centre d'Instruction Parachutiste), and the first pre-war badges registered are the "Brevet militaire de Parachutiste" worn on the left arm, and the 601st & 602nd GIA (Groupe d'Infanterie de l'Air) enamel badges worn on the chest ...

Here is, IMO, the best summary of the origines of the French military para forces... (sorry, in french ...)
https://lescharognardsdotcom.wordpre...aire-francais/

(A lot of inaccuracies in the books shown ...)

Best regards .. Herve