SAS Wings

[NorBn]

There is a collector that claims two of these wings belonged to Robert Blair "Paddy" Mayne and that they are of WWII origin. I have no knowledge of these kind of insignia, but I find his story a little fishy. Can any of you share your knowledge around these?

[oc14]

Originally Posted by NorBn

There is a collector that claims two of these wings belonged to Robert Blair "Paddy" Mayne and that they are of WWII origin. I have no knowledge of these kind of insignia, but I find his story a little fishy. Can any of you share your knowledge around these?

All look pretty modern to me and would imagine the smaller sized ones are for wear on mess kit and the larger size for wear on Number 1 dress blues. Neither Mess Kit nor Number 1 dress were worn during WW2 so the chances of these being WW2 vintage are (IMO) very remote. I'm sure more knowledgeable collectors than I will offer their opinions

PL

[NorBn]

Thank you, he claims these came out of the British War Museum and that they were sold by a mistake after they had been removed from uniform for cleaning. It sounds like one of those stories that is just to good to be true.

[oc14]

Originally Posted by NorBn

Thank you, he claims these came out of the British War Museum and that they were sold by a mistake after they had been removed from uniform for cleaning. It sounds like one of those stories that is just to good to be true.

Sounds like total b*llsh*t to me - who or what is the "British War Museum" ?? why would cloth badges EVER be removed from uniform for cleaning - it just wouldn't happen as it would damage the integrity of the uniform, let alone then selling them by mistake. Invite the owner to join this forum and see how his story stands up to serious scrutiny

Just saying...…..

PL

[NorBn]

This is just one of his many increadible stories on his badges from different special forces. They usually don't survive very long

[JerryBB]

The guy is talking sh#t, jeez what utter bolloxs.

[arnhem2280]

Just tell him he's a liar. Simple as that

[Mike B]

If the bloke does not know for sure himself he should say so
If he has told you something he has been told he has been misled
If he has made it all up you should not have anything further to do with him

If you ever have any doubts about an item the rule is generally 'if in doubt leave it out'

Nothing devalues a collection more than finding repros in it

Mike

[pontecagnano]

All are original wings for Blues and Mess Kit but are late 50s onwards so were made when Paddy Mayne was deceased.

Graham

[Mike B]

Graham
Fair point ... I was getting carried away ...
I really dislike those who 'elaborate' or mislead
Mike

[popskipa]

Originally Posted by Mike B

If the bloke does not know for sure himself he should say so
If he has told you something he has been told he has been misled
If he has made it all up you should not have anything further to do with him

If you ever have any doubts about an item the rule is generally 'if in doubt leave it out'

Nothing devalues a collection more than finding repros in it

Mike

Good advice from Mike.

I would also add buy the item not the story and always check the provenance.

Hearsay is not provenance. Provenance is a signed letter from the veteran with a photo of the vet with the item e.g. a Paratrooper wearing wings and a letter from the vet saying "these are my wings and they are the ones I am wearing in the photo". Not a guy at the carboot fair told me he bought these from a wartime Paratrooper who jumped at Arnhem and won a Military Medal...

Use common sense, don't believe exaggerated and nonsensical stories, but if you buy an important item from a veteran try to get some history and record the provenance.

Enjoy the hobby, Keith

[NorBn]

I was 99,99% sure that the story he told was not even close to real, so thank you all for confirming that. I never even thought about getting involved in doing business with this man and I can't afford the £9000 he wanted for these anyway

[fougasse1940]

Does anyone know what actually did happen to Mayne's uniforms? Still with the family or SAS regimental collection would make more sense than the inane gobbledygook this chap came up with.

Rgds, Thomas

[rhodesianmilitaria]

Originally Posted by popskipa

Good advice from Mike.

I would also add buy the item not the story and always check the provenance.

Hearsay is not provenance. Provenance is a signed letter from the veteran with a photo of the vet with the item e.g. a Paratrooper wearing wings and a letter from the vet saying "these are my wings and they are the ones I am wearing in the photo". Not a guy at the carboot fair told me he bought these from a wartime Paratrooper who jumped at Arnhem and won a Military Medal...

Use common sense, don't believe exaggerated and nonsensical stories, but if you buy an important item from a veteran try to get some history and record the provenance.

Enjoy the hobby, Keith

A bit hard to get if they're dead.

[popskipa]

Originally Posted by rhodesianmilitaria

A bit hard to get if they're dead.

Very true...