While I absolutely agree with Mike about the impossibility of saying exactly what badge was worn when here is my effort to explain the use of the Sultanic Emplem by SAF.
The Sultanic Emblem
The General Service Badge of the Oman Army
The Sultanic Emblem consisting of a pair of crossed swords (saif – سيف) superimposed by an Omani dagger (khunjar) is said to have first been used by the Sultans of Muscat and Oman in the 18th century. It was first used by an armed body in Oman by the Muscat Levies, later the Muscat Infantry, in the 1920s. Over the years it has formed the basis of almost all military badges used by The Sultan’s Armed Forces.
The badge has undergone a number of changes over the years, but putting aside for a moment those badges with additions to the basic design three patterns have been in use.
1st Pattern 1956-1976. The first pattern to be generally adopted was first introduced during the period of the Jebel Akhdar War. In it’s most basic form it was cast in brass in typical Pakistani manner with integral cast loops. However it also appears in a variety of manufacturing styles including those of obviously British make with the usual British style loops. Officers had silver badges and these can vary from quite crude to exquisite jewellery standard pieces.
Photographs from the 1950s show this badge being worn in a variety of head-dress . It remained in use until after the Dhofar War when it was replaced by the 3rd Pattern at the same time as regimental badges were introduced for most units.
2nd Pattern, 1956-1986. The second pattern of badges is identical to the Sultanic Emblem that appears on the Omani flag which was first approved in 1970 and now forms the basis of modern Omani army badges. This badge is found in brass, white metal and chrome plate, fairly roughly cast and with cast in loops. No silver officer’s versions have been noted.
A photograph of a SAF staff officer wearing this badge in a bush hat in about 1956 during the Jebel Akhdar war has been seen . This badge seems to have a particular connection with the Armoured Car Squadron (ACS) as it appears on both the unit’s plaque and flag.
The ACS never had an individual unit badge, nor did its successor, the Armoured Regiment, and this badge may have continued in use until 1986.
3rd Pattern, 1976-1986. The third pattern of Sultanic Emblem, which replaced the 1st Pattern in 1976, was a much more accurate depiction of an Al Bu Saidi Khunjar, complete with it seven ring suspension system. It appears in gilt brass, white metal for ORs and silver for officers.
This badge came into use at the same time as regimental cap badges started to be introduced across SAF. It was worn primarily by HQ staff officers and also by those who did not have a unit badge to wear. In 1986 a generic gilt badge to be worn by all units of the Royal Army of Oman replaced this badge along with the unit badges.
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