Welsh Guards Officer's Beret.

[leigh kitchen]

An issue beret manufactured around 1978-79, lacking the Guards backing to the bullion badge (introduced 1989).
It appears to be a genuine combination of bullion badge with beret.
Was it common practise for Guards officers to wear issue rather than private purchase berets back then?
Would the badge be worn by a W.O.?

[JerryBB]

Very nice Leigh, not one I have, though I do have a SD cap and a forage cap for the WG.

[leigh kitchen]

Nice, I only have a few WG OR's forage caps, a Guardsman and 2 Musicians.

[JerryBB]

It is an or's for a guardsman I have, nice though as it is 1958 dated and wd issue marked. I have the buttons to restore to it but have not done it yet. It came with the AA badge, though I have 6 brass/gm examples

[leigh kitchen]

I have a Musicians dated around 1957-58 and a 1962 one I think it is. My Guardsman's cap is far more recently made.

[Mike H]

Originally Posted by JBBOND

It is an or's for a guardsman I have, nice though as it is 1958 dated and wd issue marked. I have the buttons to restore to it but have not done it yet. It came with the AA badge, though I have 6 brass/gm examples

Looking at your hat Jerry. I wonder if they hadnt started to put the wire ring in the top so it sat flat .

[JerryBB]

I did wonder but assume in 58 they were using aa badge and buttons?

[Frank Kelley]

Hello Jerry, do you know how old that is?


Regards Frank

Originally Posted by JBBOND

Very nice Leigh, not one I have, though I do have a SD cap and a forage cap for the WG.

[JerryBB]

Originally Posted by Frank Kelley

Hello Jerry, do you know how old that is?


Regards Frank

Date stamp, though it might actually be 1956 rather than 1958 as it has a T WD marking as well which is 1956 or 1937.

[leigh kitchen]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

I have a Musicians dated around 1957-58 and a 1962 one I think it is. My Guardsman's cap is far more recently made.

Some photos of the older of the two Musician's caps I have, I haven't got any photos showing a date, I'll have to check the cap.
The anodised St Edward's Crown buttons were already fitted when I got it.
There is a soldier's surname and "last four" (digits of his army number) written inside.

[leigh kitchen]

Originally Posted by JBBOND

It is an or's for a guardsman I have, nice though as it is 1958 dated and wd issue marked. I have the buttons to restore to it but have not done it yet. It came with the AA badge, though I have 6 brass/gm examples

I have trouble telling some of the Welsh Guards Guardsmen and Drummers badges from the Sergeants and Musicians ones.
Is the one your showing the Sergeants and Musicians?
This is one of my Guardsmen and Drummers type.

[JerryBB]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

Some photos of the older of the two Musician's caps I have, I haven't got any photos showing a date, I'll have to check the cap.
The anodised St Edward's Crown buttons were already fitted when I got it.
There is a soldier's surname and "last four" (digits of his army number) written inside.

Mine has his full army number in it and also the 67 same as yours, a cutting/pattern number perhaps.

I noticed yours is the same maker, silbertson.
As regards the badge, no idea

[Frank Kelley]

Very nice Jerry, a very good cap, the badge appears a little larger than I might have expected, but, assume it must be original to that particular cap how tall is it?
Regards Frank

Originally Posted by JBBOND

Date stamp, though it might actually be 1956 rather than 1958 as it has a T WD marking as well which is 1956 or 1937.

[leigh kitchen]

Originally Posted by JBBOND

Mine has his full army number in it and also the 67 same as yours, a cutting/pattern number perhaps.

I noticed yours is the same maker, silbertson.
As regards the badge, no idea

I didn't realise that the two types of badges were actually "different" badges rather than just manufacturers variations until I read "No More Bull".
The Guardsman and Drummer on the left, the Staff, Sergeant and Musician (with the longer, more distinct central sprigs) onhe right.
I sometimes have trouble telling which a badge is "supposed" to be.

[grenadierguardsman]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

I didn't realise that the two types of badges were actually "different" badges rather than just manufacturers variations until I read "No More Bull".
The Guardsman and Drummer on the left, the Staff, Sergeant and Musician (with the longer, more distinct central sprigs) onhe right.
I sometimes have trouble telling which a badge is "supposed" to be.

Ive never heard of this before ? Is there any evidence to support this theory, i thought there were different metals used, ie Silver and Gilt for Musicians, Sergeants and Staff ?
Andy