Two puzzling badges! - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

bill badger · #1 31-01-24, 01:32 PM

Good afternoon everyone,

I have uploaded photos of a couple of unusual badges sorted from my collection. The first is cloth embroidered with a canvas type backing. It has the image of a dragon on the obverse.

The second has the Prince of Wales feathers with the usual motto Ich Dien. It is lugged with a voided Kings crown and appears to be a two piece construction.

If anyone can help identify either of these items it would be much appreciated as ever.

Many thanks
Bill Badger

altcar73 · #2 31-01-24, 01:42 PM

The crowned star with the feathers centre is almost certainly a generic cap badge probably used by brass bands (or similar) in Wales or places where the use of the feathers is appropriate.

Dave.

leigh kitchen · #3 31-01-24, 01:55 PM

The other badge the 16th Armoured Bde, Polish.

bill badger · #4 31-01-24, 01:56 PM

That makes a lot of sense Dave. Up until now I had only seen the version with a lyre to the centre for a bandsman.

Many thanks
Bill

bill badger · #5 31-01-24, 02:01 PM

Thanks Leigh.

Is this a variation of the Polish 16th Armoured Brigade badge I had seen previously with a black dragon on an orange background? That one was WW2 period. Do you think this is also WW2 or a modern one?

Thanks
Bill

leigh kitchen · #6 31-01-24, 02:08 PM

I think it was an earlier pattern, before the orange background one, zI can't give an opinion as to whether its a genuine WWII badge as I don't know enough about them.

bill badger · #7 31-01-24, 02:11 PM

Thats very helpful Leigh. I don't suppose you have any link that refers to the earlier badge by any chance?

All the best
Bill

leigh kitchen · #8 31-01-24, 02:27 PM

Sorry, no, the orange version is the only one shown and referred to in "Badges on Battledess" (by Jon Mills ("Postwarden")).

bill badger · #9 31-01-24, 03:04 PM

Thanks for taking the time to contribute Leigh.

Take care
Bill

Postwarden · #10 31-01-24, 03:44 PM

Bill,

The standard work on WW2 Polish badges - in Polish - shows three versions of the badge with khaki backing, one of which is similar to yours. Scan attached.

Jon

bill badger · #11 31-01-24, 03:58 PM

Hi Jon,

Thanks for your excellent reference point complete with illustrations. I think that 100% confirms what Leigh said. I'm pleased to unearth an earlier pattern of such a striking badge.

Thanks again
Bill