F.A.N.Y. blue & maroon titles?

[JerryBB]

Picked today, not seen any like these before so have low expectations apart from why would anyone fake them.

Thanks for any opinions.

[Belly]

They do look like classic Pakistani manufacture unfortunately!

[Mike Jackson]

And this one?
FANY_Blue-Maroon.01.jpgFANY_Blue-Maroon.02.jpg

[54Bty]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

And this one?
Attachment 161509Attachment 161510

Personally I would have that one in my collection.

But those in post 1 I would give a miss.

Marc

[JerryBB]

Thanks belly, mike & marc your help, much appreciated as always.

You win some, you lose some.

[Belly]

I agree, I like Mike's example. Does anyone know the significance of this pattern? It's mentioned in Len's book but doesn't really explain it.
cheers
Paul

[Colin S]

Classic airborne forces colours - could they be anything to do with the FANY signals section that was in 21 SAS up until the 1960s?

[JerryBB]

At least these duffers started an interesting discussion.

Thanks to all who contributed.

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by Colin S

Classic airborne forces colours - could they be anything to do with the FANY signals section that was in 21 SAS up until the 1960s?

Quite possibly. Mike

[Postwarden]

As Len Whittaker explained in his book Some Talk of Private Armies the maroon and blue title was adopted by the 'Free Fanys' who remained as a separate organisation after the majority of the organisation was swallowed up by the Motor Transport Companies of the ATS - who wore the badge shown below to indicate their origins as FANYs.

The wartime Free Fany title was worn on battle dress, shown here as worn by a Free Fany who accompanied the British Commonwealth Occupation Force to Japan in 1945. The colours may be linked to the use of maroon for many FANY distinctions such as their rank badges like those on the BCOF BD.

BD remained the FANY's working dress after the war and the maroon and blue title was worn until 1964 when it was replaced by the red on grey version shown.

I am indebted to the FANY Archivist for this information.

Jon

[Mike B]

Well that clears that up ... thanks for the authoritative answer!
Mike

[54Bty]

The current version.

Marc

[pontecagnano]

Just to mention one point not covered, and raised by Jerry in his opening post, the 'Free FANYs' included SOE. Not just agents but those attached to the SOE training establishments for a number of duties. This is why these titles are widely faked and good originals are very expensive.

Graham

[Postwarden]

Hope it's not against the Forum rules to announce it but I have just posted an example of the title for sale on Ebay.

Jon

[Belly]

Great Jon
I'll be bidding!
cheers
Paul