Stu,
You more of less answered your own question in my opinion. An official badge is one procured via the MOD/WD, purchased with public funds (Government money) and one which can be demanded for through the System, these normally have a sealed pattern. Anything else is locally authorised, a Commanding Officer can and they often have given permission for such insignia to be worn, but that does not necessarily make them "Official"! Should a unit seek higher authority and then have the item supplied at public expense then it becomes "Official". Outside of this process they remain unofficial even if locally authorised!
So in a nutshell it boils down to where the money comes from to source the insignia.
For example a few years back Welsh Guards Senior Ranks (Sgt to WO1 incl) started to wear "Silver" Leeks in the Forage Cap, permission was sought from higher authority however, although authorised the badges were to be purchased via the Regiment and not publicly funded. The Official badge therefore remains as the Anodised Aluminium pattern and Gilt for Staff, even though they no longer wear them!
Andy
Last edited by 2747andy; 20-08-15 at 11:13 AM.
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