Royal Marine helmet plate with blue enamel

[David Moore]

Hello, Could anyone tell me about the GM and blue enamel Royal Marine helmet plates. There seems to be difference of opinion about them, some people believe that they are sergeants badges and others fantasy pieces. Could anyone please clarify?

Dave Moore

[Phil2M]

i have always believed them to be nco/officer issues. but i am no expert. ive been looking for a nice cheap one for a few years now at fairs. no luck yet.

regards

phil

[magpie]

joachim has one made by J&Co, perhaps he will post it for you.

[CftD]

Originally Posted by David Moore

Hello, Could anyone tell me about the GM and blue enamel Royal Marine helmet plates. There seems to be difference of opinion about them, some people believe that they are sergeants badges and others fantasy pieces. Could anyone please clarify?

Dave Moore

Dave - Do you mean the multi-piece badge with blue enamel insert or the gilded metal badge with painted enamel on the central surface ? If you mean the latter, then 98% of those offered for sale are fakes. Of the remaining 2% I believe senior nco's did self-enamel their badges but I know of no official authorisation for this. There are several RM specialists on the Forum - perhaps they can offer their opinions. David

[stonehouse boy]

I remember these coming on the scene in the early 1980's with a Kings crown
followed latter with a Queens crown. And were advertised as Warrant Officers, Senior NCO's but were put down as fakes. There are none on display at the Royal Marines Museum.

[David Moore]

Thankyou everyone for your help, I will resign my example to the don't know box. It is a shame because it is a well made plate. Are there any tips on identifying the ordinary OR'S GM helmet plate?

Dave Moore