WW2 Plastic Crowns

[Charlie585]

Hi gents,

I thought I'd show this pair of WW2 plastic economy rank crowns that I came accross this week.

Nice to find a matching pair.

I've only seen these offered as singles previously and they had lug fixings.

Ry

[grey_green_acorn]

Ry,
Good matching pair. For completeness here are some more (single) crowns and stars:

lower left Black composition (not plastic economy?) small star Rifle Regiments
Black plastic crown and star for Rifle Regiments
Brown (Bronze) crown and small star
Brown (Bronze) crown and large star (crown has brass tangs)
Gold finish crown

[Mike Jackson]

Interestingly (I thought) I've seen two examples of genuine WW2 BD blouses with the brown plastic crown worn above non-whitened Sgts' chevrons by a CSgt (Inf) and SSgt. They looked remarkable smart while being quite "low visibility".

[Charlie585]

Hi again gents,

Nice to see your examples Tim showing the variations in colour and fixings, thanks.

Mike, it's good to hear of an example/s of them in use. I assumed that they were used to denote officer rank so it's pleasing to know that they were also used for CSgt and SSgt rank.

My Grandfather held the rank of WOIII PSM Rifle Brigade in WW2 I believe as a Scout Platoon Commander in Italy 1943-45.

Would anyone have an opinion or evidence as to the possibility to this type of crown (Black) being worn on Battledress to denote that rank?

Ry

[Old Smelly]

I have several variations too, different colours, different fixings on the rear, different sizes but all are made by A. Stanley & Sons, Walsall. Some of the pips are 'fatter' in profile too. The smaller size presumably for Brigadier, though I can't image them being too popular with higher ranks. The colour variations are fairly obvious but what about the grey one?
Lee

[Staffsyeoman]

Perhaps the grey one is intended for Police?