GQ Parachute Wings Badge - Date of Issue

[Pressy]

Hi wonderful people, and thanks for allowing me to join!

I've had the opportunity to look a bit more carefully at my Grandfather's enamelled GQ Parachute Wings Badge (link to photo here). From other examples I can find online, it seems a bit unusual in that a) it has a buttonhole fastening instead of a tube joint pin, and b) the button fastening is not stamped with the badge manufacturer's name.

Otherwise, it is the regular size and stamped "GQ" and "PARACHUTIST" on the rear as normal. The fastening is slightly bent, but it has been in the wars! I have only found one other like it online (it was for sale) but the owner didn't know anything about it.

I know the background on the general purpose of the badges, and when they cam into being, but there doesn't seem to be much information online about the history of the different patterns. Does anyone know if it's possible, from its unusual construction, to date when this one might have been issued? This could help to settle a debate over when my Grandfather passed his parachute qualification.

Thanks in advance.

Paul

[tcrown]

Hi Paul and welcome to the forum.
If you're looking about info on your grandad's parachute course records it would be easier to contact the Duxford Museum, assuming you have his army number. https://www.paradata.org.uk/faq/faqs...rical-enquires
I'm afraid I can't help you with the badge itself.

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by Pressy

the button fastening is not stamped with the badge manufacturer's name.

Found an old thread with this comment :

The earliest types of badges were the solid backed with the horseshoe fitting and maker marked, and then pressed steel (both plain and enamelled) which did not allow for a makers mark.

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...ad.php?t=30013

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