Woven Formation Signs as per the GI Pickup

[Postwarden]

Rather than hijack Jack's fascinating thread I thought I would start a new one to add further information.

As Mike (Fearnaught) says a batch of very similar signs were discussed in The Formation Sign Journal of the Military Heraldry Society in 1997. Two pages from that edition are attached to show the signs then in Australia. As can be seen many of them are identical to Jack's selection.

Digging around in my research notes I came across an invaluable piece of information that enables us to identify the manufacturer of these signs.

In March 1942 the Director of Narrow Fabrics at the Ministry of Supply wrote a letter to the War Office to draw to its attention that ‘very elaborate divisional signs were being produced by some of my narrow fabrics manufacturers' He thought that 'the use of these fine counts of cotton and the labour involved is unjustified….one manufacturer is making 150,000 [15th Scottish Division] badges. Under present conditions it does not seem desirable that these fine counts of Egyptian Cotton and Rayon should be used for this purpose and I would suggest that this…be stopped.

To illustrate his case he enclosed a sample card from Brough, Nicholson and Hall of Leek and London. The photo attached shows the card from the relevant file which had been encased in plastic to prevent theft, hence the reflection in the top corner. As can be seen this includes an identical sign of 52nd Lowland Division and the combination sign of 1st Infantry Division with two red stripes. Given the presence of these signs and the similar cut corners I think we can safely say that all Jack's signs were made by Brough, Nicholson and Hall.

Another distinctive feature of these signs is the selvedge edge, apparently common to narrow fabrics such as these which according to an internet entry is a "self-finished" edge of fabric which keeps it from unravelling and fraying. I attach a close up.

This caused me to look at other similar wartime badges for similar selvedges and some of those found I have also attached. These may also be products of Brough, Nicholson, Hall as I have yet to discover another narrow fabric manufacturer.

I would welcome members thoughts and possible examples of other such badges.

A fuller version of this post will be included in the next Formation Sign now being prepared which will also suggest a strong connection to these signs and Western Command. If not already a member you will have to join to read it. Go to militaryheraldrysociety.com/ to find out how to do so.

Jon

[Mike Jackson]

Jon,
Excellent - very many thanks. Mike

[54Bty]

Brilliant Sherlock.

Marc

[irish]

Thank you Jon,
Very informative. It sounds as though based on the War Office’s concern regarding cost these signs did not go into production? Or production on any large scale.
Jack

[Old Smelly]

I have seen antique silk book marks made in the same way, some are maker marked, usually Midlands based manufacturers
Lee

[Postwarden]

The Company's bookmarks are featured here along with those of many other manufacturers.

http://stevengraph-silks.com/others/...lson_hall.html

Jon

[3battalion]

Thanks Jon. I look forward to the next Formation Sign.

Paul

[dobw]

Outstanding, Jon! I can't wait for the next "Formation Sign."