Pattern 50 Officers badge
 

This badge is the 3/4 size officers badge for wear on the FAA beret (AFO 2424 of 1945).
In researching this badge I have not come across reference to the black felt backing fabric. I would think that it is original to the badge issue as it would protect the beret and is similar to the backing fabric of the pattern 47 metal officers cap badge.
Has anyone else seen the backing to the badge?
Thanks,
Barry

Hi Barry
I am not sure but I think you have your badges mixed up. This looks to me like a standard WWII economy issue cap badge and not the FAA beret version. The beret version was a bit smaller, about 6,5cm across and as you say, no melton cloth backing. There is also a bullion version, which is slightly smaller than the gilding metal one.
Cheers,
Alex

Sorry, forgot to add photos.
First is the economy issue, second the beret badge and last is the bullion beret badge, the bullion one is slightly smaller than the GM version.
Cheers,
Alex

Thanks for your thoughts Alex.
My badge is 58 mm across and has lugs for a split pin, so in my view it is for the beret.
With the the backing fabric in place it looks just like the other patterns of badges. Maybe this fabric was dropped from later supply?
The badge came from an estate and I am the first collector to have it.
Barry

Hi Barry
Yes, must be the beret badge then, maybe the owner just added the backing because he preferred it like that, though it's possibly it came like that?
Cheers,
Alex