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  #1  
Old 09-07-09, 06:59 AM
REME245 REME245 is offline
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Default 43rd Wessex Division

In Jon Mills article in the current edition of the Armourer Magazine he uses one of these Wyverns as an example of a WW2 Formation sign.

I had always assumed this particular version to be a crude reproduction or am I wrong?
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File Type: jpg Wyvern Repro 1.jpg (26.7 KB, 85 views)
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  #2  
Old 17-08-09, 05:57 PM
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It is not a nicely made badge, it could very well be a replica.
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  #3  
Old 17-08-09, 06:17 PM
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That is the right representation, but as Luc says, that particular example is almost certainly a replica.

T.
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  #4  
Old 17-08-09, 06:26 PM
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I recieved this one recently, I believe it to be original.
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File Type: jpg !B(Y7RmwBGk~$(KGrHgoOKjEEjlLmZ(ZQBKcCwQ8mq!~~_35.JPG (18.6 KB, 89 views)
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  #5  
Old 18-08-09, 07:21 AM
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Its slightly different to the normal pattern but I would still say original.

The one to watch out as all the repro badge manufacturers make it is this pattern. Although originals do exist I believe it to be a post-war pattern. If anyone can disprove this please say.
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File Type: jpg wyvern repro 2.jpg (5.5 KB, 79 views)
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  #6  
Old 19-08-09, 01:25 PM
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Default 43 Wesex Div

Please find attached pictures of examples I own:
1) Printed version still attached to karhki BD shoulder with embroidered REME title. This could be late war or 1950's.
2) Close up of printed version.
3) Embroidered version.
4) Pair of woven examples on silk. Worn in the late 1960's by HQ 43 (Wx) Div/District.
5) A variation of the embroidered Wyvern but with red feet/claws. As yet unidentified.

Hope this is of interest. Stephen.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_1629.jpg (72.0 KB, 82 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_1630.jpg (97.7 KB, 68 views)
File Type: jpg 43 Div Wessex emb FS.jpg (55.0 KB, 96 views)
File Type: jpg 43 Div Wessex woven pair.jpg (46.7 KB, 76 views)
File Type: jpg 43 Div Wessex red paws FS.jpg (70.0 KB, 87 views)
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  #7  
Old 20-08-09, 11:27 AM
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Your badge with the red claws/feet is a printed badge which has been over-embroidered.

These are not uncommon and come in lots of different variations as it was a cottage industry making them (see picture below)
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File Type: jpg wyvern scan 1.jpg (65.8 KB, 187 views)
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  #8  
Old 21-08-09, 01:38 PM
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Another horrible reproduction.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pair-of-43rd-D...d=p3286.c0.m14
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  #9  
Old 21-08-09, 06:45 PM
blackpowder44 blackpowder44 is offline
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Default 43ed. Wessex.

I am pretty sure in saying that the famous Wessex Wyvern only faces one way,to the left as you look at it. Unlike many formations that are seen as a facing pair. John.
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  #10  
Old 21-08-09, 07:31 PM
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Good point, I believe that is true for more heraldry related insignia.
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  #11  
Old 23-08-09, 08:30 AM
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The example facing right in my picture is original so a few unoffical badges did make it into production.
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  #12  
Old 23-08-09, 06:34 PM
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Default 43 Wessex Div

Hi,
The Wessex with embroidered claws I featured is one of a pair- both facing the same direction. If this 'adaption' was a wartime feature it would indicate that Ordnance may not have been issuing facing pairs consitently.

The PRO file relating to the woven Div/Dist sign indicates it only came facing the one direction. This was because FS were only worn on the left arm of battledress post-war.

Regards, Stephen.
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  #13  
Old 23-08-09, 08:14 PM
blackpowder44 blackpowder44 is offline
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Default 43rd. Wessex

Quote:
Originally Posted by REME245 View Post
The example facing right in my picture is original so a few unoffical badges did make it into production.
I wouldnt think so. No order would have been placed for an badge that was totally improper in heraldic terms. John
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  #14  
Old 24-08-09, 06:58 AM
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No offical order but obviously one of the vast range of unoffical badges produced privately for sale to soldiers during WW2.
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  #15  
Old 24-08-09, 12:51 PM
blackpowder44 blackpowder44 is offline
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Default Wessex Wyvern

Pictures of some Wessex Wyverns. I have been asking fellow members of the Military Heraldry Society whether the Wyvern was ever worn as a facing pair and all say never. Totally incorrect and never issued or worn, that is good enough for me. John.
You will see that the City of Bristol Wyvern is a post war silk version, also the differences , especially the tongue on all four
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File Type: jpg wyvern 010.jpg (65.5 KB, 121 views)
File Type: jpg wyvern 012.jpg (69.1 KB, 152 views)
File Type: jpg wyvern 013.jpg (70.8 KB, 149 views)
File Type: jpg wyvern 014.jpg (48.7 KB, 160 views)
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