Springbok SAAF 2nd type finial

[Brian Conyngham]

Hi

I have been interested in these winged springbok helmet finials for some time and pictures of them being worn are scarce. The Buckingham Palace picture was taken in 1938 at KGVI Coronation by all accounts.

I am honestly not sure if these guards were SAAF or not, maybe it might even have been worn as a helmet decoration for just this one occasion by soldiers chosen for this prestigious occasion to guard the Palace?

The post War SAAF Band had chromed finials, badges and buckles. This was confirmed to me by a member of the band whom I got this picture from.

Hope these help.