Belgium finds last weekend!! - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

billy · #1 16-09-18, 10:37 AM

For no other reason that I don't where to post this I trust I will not be causing any bother if I post this on here this will be posted on Foreign Badges as I require some info on some!

Having been to Belgium last weekend it still staggers me what I can find on the Antiques Market! This traunce was €40, mainly American, some Russian, French, Belgium, a nice Airborne Glider cloth badge cant say its WW2 most probably post WW2 though, and a stunning 18th Airborne ring, this I noticed in the box and main reason to purchase from the seller, could be Brass or Silver Gold plated, but "Crestcraft 1975" to inside of ring will try and find out more on this? Why can I find of all things American and not British I do not know but whenever I go I'll be sure to go hunting and may yet find a gem?? Here's hoping?

The small collection of badges I picked up for a few Euros, though gifted the French Foreign Legion buttons and pin badge, also the Belgique badge blue backing which is worn while going through basic training before a trade is allocated I believe?

Enjoy see anything you recognise please shout out the East German Medallion in Grey plastic case is an enigma so if you can help with that and also the "Helfer der Volkspolizei" a timeline on this would help and any other details? Many thanks Billy

Mike Jackson · #2 16-09-18, 10:58 AM

Fascinating. What are the two items in the first image under the 1st Armored Division patch? They look like electrical push switches. Mike

billy · #3 16-09-18, 11:18 AM

They where in the box, I have no idea what they are? Put a photo up any ideas welcome I think door!

Phill Lockett · #4 21-09-18, 05:50 AM

Hi Billy

The Airborne Cap badge is for an officer. The badge is 60's era , however it has had a merrow edge added to it, probably around late 60's period, when there were patches that were "refurbished" for re use by the US Army. The pigtail has been removed.

Below is a "refurbished" 10th Mountain Division SSI c 1985(reactivated) initial issue date 1954.

Phill

RSM · #5 21-09-18, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billy

They where in the box, I have no idea what they are? Put a photo up any ideas welcome I think door!

Hi,

Your doorbell pusher actually seems to be the dashboard push-button starter for a German vehicle. I can see the word 'Gerat' -'device', but cannot make out the words at the 3 o'clock position in your photo. Could be from a WW2 Kuebelwagen up to an armoured vehicle such as the SdKFZ halftrack series, but looking at the distinctive font of the words and the serial number it's more probably postwar for a Bundeswehr vehicle. Also, I'm pretty certain I have seen Belgian army units using German built military vehicles, so may explain it's presence in your box of goodies.

Cheers,

Rich.