Interesting book of British Naval Dress

[RCN]

Attending a Military show Sat last, I always have a look at the books, never know if I might find something of interest....

well I did & I almost missed it as the vendor's table was a real conglomerate - books stacked all over the place, no order, no system,.... you know the drill I am sure!!!

However I found & negotiated this little gem from 1960!
Ist ed, super condition, orriginal dust cover. Never even knew it existed. Wish I had it yrs & yrs ago!

below are a few shots & I can photo more of the illustrations if readers wish.

Not much badge illustrations tho, mainly plates on various Naval uniforms thru the 1748 - circa 1950 period.

Bryan

[Ray6930]

Does the book contain plates of Marine uniforms/badges at all, or is it purely naval?
Yours Aye
Ray

[Alex Rice]

Hi Bryan
Well done, looks like an absolute gem.
Cheers,
Alex

[RCN]

Originally Posted by Ray6930

Does the book contain plates of Marine uniforms/badges at all, or is it purely naval?
Yours Aye
Ray

Its all RN Ray.

[Guzzman]

Hello all

There is another book on RN and RM badges and insignia due out in October. It is 'Rank and Rate Vol II: Insignia of Royal Naval Ratings, WRNS, Royal Marines, QARNNS and Auxiliaries' by E.C. Coleman. It is available from 24/10/2011 and can be pre-booked on Amazon.

I know that the initial volume was criticised by some naval collectors (I must strss that I'm not referring to members of this site just collectors generally) and, yes, it did contain some mistakes (many the fault of the printers) but those of us who collect naval and marine insignia know what a minefield it can be! Even May, who many collectors quote as if it were the Bible, made errors and mistakes. Some criticism was made of the fact that Coleman used cut-and-paste to create images of badges that only existed in photos. Would they have been happier it he had just used pencil sketches? This is the 21st century after all! (Unfortunately )

My answer to those that criticised the work was always to say 'Well, if you think you can do better then get writing!" I'm still waiting ...

Very few books exist which are devoted solely to RN and RM uniforms and insignia (I can only think of about half a dozen or so) so any new publications should be welcomed and encouragement should be given to those who attempt to compile them. I certainly wouldn't be brave enough.

Sorry about this turning into a bit of a rant. I need more coffee ...

And belated congratulations to all our friends in Canada on the restoration of the title Royal Canadian Navy. Good news!

Pete