Raasc wm?

[lettman]

I have a 1965 dated slouch hat with an all white-metal (if that's what you can call something that's anodised aluminium) RAASC badge. The whole rig appears to be of the same period -- the puggaree is also dated 1965. I've only ever seen bi-coloured RAASC badges (i.e. 'silver' and 'gilt'), so would like some help with this one, please

[Chrisr]

Lettman,

Is it a chromed badge?

RAASC badges were all brass for OR and a two piece WM, Gilt and Enamel for Officers IE the crown and star were wm while the wreath was gilt with an enamel centre.

Cheers
Chris

[slick_mick]

Mate,

Send us a picture :-)

Mick

[lettman]

Now I'm not sure if this is white metal or just an extremely pale gilt. Can these things actually fade over time, especially if exposed to the weather?

[slick_mick]

I think its just faded gilt - I have seen other RAASC hat badges in the same faded gilt colour.

Mick

[Chrisr]

I agree with Mick. Its the early pale A/A type. I would place the badge as 1970's rather than 1965 when the gilt/brass badge was still in use.
Below on the left is the A/A version and on the right is the gilt/brass version.

Close up of the A/A below and a better shot of the two types together. Only way to confirm is the rear stamping (A/A on the right below) and whether it has sharp prongs rather than loops to secure to the hat?

The badges is placed too high on the brim to have been put there by a soldier - should be centered between the top of the brim and where it turns up.

Cheers
Chris

[lettman]

OK, obviously a very pale gilt -- it has the prong (or clutch-pin) type of fittings. Thanks for the observations, gentlemen!