The first image shown here and (more importantly) the comparison image of the verso face of those insignia... are intended to provide some visual information which differentiates Australian (RAA) items from British made (RA) ones. As will be seen from the detail shots, the British Army version in the middle of the frame, sports a 'slider' fixture and is maker's marked (to "J R GAUNT LONDON") on both the badge body and also on the slider fixture.
It is well to note, that each of the Australian made beret insignia, features:
- a pair of traditional lug fittings only (at least, no apparently Australian made items with a slider have been identified by Authors to-date); and
- a fully counter-struck detailed verso surface; and
- the absence of any Australian Maker's Mark (at least none have been identified by Authors to-date)
Thanks for showing Mark. The left hand badge, from the type of footed lugs used, would probably be the type marketed by Christies/Amor outside the system.
The attached photos are probably more relevant to the badge comparison - it is an RA other ranks QC beret badge with slider. You will note a fully counter-struck detailed verso surface and the absence of any manufacturers' mark.
The gilt Gaunt badge shown is the RA officers' version pre-embroidered badges as far as I know but Marc (54bty) or Mike Jackson might be able to confirm that.
Finally, is the large QC RAA hat badge on the left of your first photo also a Christies aftermarket badge?
Cheers,
Keith