Good day Mike,
Yes, this was the trial version of the Cdn. para qual just after Unification.
You can find info on it in Grimshaw's book (if you can find a copy), Bennet's book on Cdn. jump wings, and, IIRC, in Joyce's book. There is even a photo of a worn one in the second edition of B&T.
Not a whole lot produced, just for trial. Like most of the other Hazardous Skill badges, it was decided to not go with all of them due to the potential damage caused by constant application and removal on the Combat coats and jackets.
Apparently, after the wings were rejected for issue, some of the production lot was handed to Brit Airborne troops doing a friendship jump in Canada.
So, they are rare, and I can see the price being paid if someone REALLY wanted one as part of their Cdn para collection, especially as the wings in the attached photo look mint.
Ian B
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The day the government succeeds in taking away our dress uniforms, badges and colours, and all the so called "non-functional" items; they will find themselves with an army that cannot defend them. Robert Heinlein, "Starship Troopers"
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