South African collar insignia??

[judge10111]

Probably an easy one for the pros out there, but I have seen a similar item on the local South African auction site, but have yet been able to determine the regiment and period. Any ideas or input? Thanks

[engr9266]

These are Officer rank pips and not collar.

[Traist]

Hi, these are British pips used through out the British Empire. They were used in SA into the 1950's, not sure exactly when they were changed in SA to stars and castles. Would assume in 1960. Regards Andrew

[judge10111]

Thanks Jerry & Andrew. That clears that one up then. Your input was appreciated, I'll try and have a more interesting one next time. Thanks again.

[seadog]

Badges of Rank of Commissioned Officers

The star now worn by Commissioned Officers replaced one which was worn by officers from the time of establishment of the SA Defence Force and also the SA Police, the Railways Police and the Prisons Service.
The old star or pip as it was known, had an exceptionally strong Christian background. The base was a four-pointed star, symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem, upon which was mounted a Maltese Cross, symbolic of the Christian Crusaders who, based on the island of Malta, undertook the crusades to the Holy Land in their attempts to wrest from the heathen Turks, that sacred soil and, particularly, the Holy City of Jerusalem. Superimposed upon the Maltese Cross there was an olive leaf wreath, the symbol of Victory, victory of Good over Evil - victory of the Christian Faith over Idolatory. In a circular band inside the wreath of olive leaves, appear the words in Latin TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO which translated into English, would read THREE JOINED INTO ONE, in other words, the Holy Trinity.
In the centre there are three bishop's mitres, once more symbolising the Holy Trinity.
How great a pity it is that so splendid a token of our Christianity was so thoughtlessly discarded.

[Traist]

Thanks Neville, I learnt something that I never knew. I did not know the back ground of this pip. Have a great day. Andrew

[milhistry]

The 5pt star replaced them in South Africa c 1951/2. Four points representing the four provinces and 5th the territory of SWA.