Quote:
Originally Posted by badgecollector
I was buying these from Christies many years ago.
BC
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Yes BC,
The Dress Manual entries that we've dug through, show that the beret-sized insignia items authorised for wear by RAA Officers and ORs, were/are 'not Ordnance sourced items'. As such, like stable belts and other 'bling' of the period... these items were generally private purchase items, sourced in batches purchased through Regimental funds, or as private purchase items from relevant Corps Shops and Military outfitters...where many a decent fitting (and liner-less) service beret came from at the same time
Given the role of 'Regi-Shops' and outfitters such as
Christies, members of the public have been able to purchase these items without access to Army Clothing Stores... so it does seem a bit odd, that they are not that commonly seen in circulation. It may be the case, that once collectors have what they need, the open market(s) for the items are effectively 'satisfied' and the items just fall off the trading radar?
Regards
Mark