Nonconforming Private Purchase Pegasus

[tcrown]

In May 1942, the silhouette of Bellerophon on Pegasus was adopted as the formation patch for all airborne units in the UK. Despite the fact that the new patch was officially to be manufactured in printed form (ACI 852 in April 1942), numerous manufacturers proposed embroidered versions of the patch targeting officers who had to purchase their own insignias. Although made for officers, Other Ranks also purchased these for wear on their walking out uniforms. Multiple variations of private purchase embroidered Pegasus quickly developed with no precise pattern to follow.

At some point, British Airborne Corps HQ realized these were too diverse and General Browning himself, who was very attentive to details, decided to prescribe the exact design of the embroidered patch (letter 1239/A on 17 Feb 1944). The correct type would have:

- No trace of Bellerophon’s leg on Pegasus’ flank
- The spear made perfectly horizontal

This can help with the identification for early private purchase patches.
I have added two examples from my collection.
2 Embroidered Patches.jpg

Elwe23 has provided another example of an early high-quality one here https://postimg.cc/gallery/FQ7q1xM

I would be glad to see other examples.

[Home Guard]

Very informative! Thanks for sharing!!!

Terry

[Mike Jackson]

In the Museum in Rhodes, Greece last week I was delighted to see a 3rd Century mosaic of Pegasus, Bellerophon and a Lion. An internet search: Pegasus Mosaic Lion Rhodes (or similar search) will reveal the mosaic. The adjacent mosaic is a Centaur very similar to the 1960s formation sign of 7 AGRA.

[Luc]

Originally Posted by tcrown

Elwe23 has provided another example of an early high-quality one here https://postimg.cc/gallery/FQ7q1xM

I have this one on file as post-war Belgium made.

[elwe23]

Thanks Tcrown for the post. Interesting as I would like to know more about those ones.

Originally Posted by Luc

I have this one on file as post-war Belgium made.

Hi Luc, this one is also coming from belgium so this might be the case, would be good to have more info on that. Did the belgium made some pegasus after the war ?

[Luc]

Originally Posted by elwe23

Did the belgium made some pegasus after the war ?

Not quite sure if I understand your question correctly but I believe my previous post confirmed just that?

[JerryBB]

Originally Posted by tcrown

At some point, British Airborne Corps HQ realized these were too diverse and General Browning himself, who was very attentive to details, decided to prescribe the exact design of the embroidered patch (letter 1239/A on 17 Feb 1944). The correct type would have:

- No trace of Bellerophon’s leg on Pegasus’ flank
- The spear made perfectly horizontal

This can help with the identification for early private purchase patches.
I have added two examples from my collection.
Attachment 275095

Elwe23 has provided another example of an early high-quality one here https://postimg.cc/gallery/FQ7q1xM

I would be glad to see other examples.

the only example with leg showing in my collection

[tcrown]

Originally Posted by Luc

I have this one on file as post-war Belgium made.

My mistake Luc. The top-quality material on this badge couldn't probably be used for early UK-made embroidered Pegasus patch.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265955072...mis&media=MORE
An interesting sample pair of Pegasus from FR & sons, well known UK tailor. All the characteristics of an early design can be seen there. Certainly, something that wouldn't have been approved by Gen. Browning!

[elwe23]

Originally Posted by Luc

Not quite sure if I understand your question correctly but I believe my previous post confirmed just that?

I meant how do you know they were post made ? (any confirmation info)
cheers

[tcrown]

Originally Posted by JerryBB

the only example with leg showing in my collection

Very nice badge, Jerry. Thanks for sharing!

[Luc]

Originally Posted by tcrown

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265955072...mis&media=MORE
An interesting sample pair of Pegasus from FR & sons, well known UK tailor.

Being offered by the Flitters from Louth, so buyer beware for the paperwork involved as they are well known of faking it.

[tcrown]

Originally Posted by Luc

Being offered by the Flitters from Louth, so buyer beware for the paperwork involved as they are well known of faking it.

It would certainly be difficult to authenticate without seeing the back of these patches.

[JerryBB]

Originally Posted by tcrown

It would certainly be difficult to authenticate without seeing the back of these patches.

Indeed and no doubt deliberate, and the paperwork is unlike original samples I have seen

[Luc]

Originally Posted by elwe23

I meant how do you know they were post made ?

That is how they were described when I found them online, so that is how I save the pictures.

[elwe23]

Originally Posted by Luc

That is how they were described when I found them online, so that is how I save the pictures.

Ok thanks Luc. So maybe not worth acquiring it (except for having all the variants ever made).