Far East or Gurkha Para Patches?

[Tonomachi]

Any chance these are original or are they all reproductions?Gurhka Para (1).jpg

Gurhka Para (5).jpg

[Gurkha]

Hi,
they purport to be 153 (on left) and 154 'gurkha' para battalions from WWII. However both appear to be reproductions. both look far to new,153 should have details on the handles picked out in black and on 154 the backing looks all wrong. Both are being reproduced. Incidently they are not arm badges but worn on the pugeree of the 'Hat felt Gurkha'
regards
Steve

[Tonomachi]

Originally Posted by Gurkha

Hi,
they purport to be 153 (on left) and 154 'gurkha' para battalions from WWII. However both appear to be reproductions. both look far to new,153 should have details on the handles picked out in black and on 154 the backing looks all wrong. Both are being reproduced. Incidently they are not arm badges but worn on the pugeree of the 'Hat felt Gurkha'
regards
Steve

Thanks for the information.

[David Tremain]

The one I have is printed on canvas.
David

[peter monahan]

Printed on canvas sound correct for a late war unit patch, especially for a theatre produced badge.

Sadly, the appeal of the Gurkhas has produced both endless myths and legends but also a large market in fake and fantasy badges and patches.

[David Tremain]

Thanks Peter. See also my latest posting on a 'Gurkha' badge.

David

[green_anorak]

Originally Posted by Gurkha

Hi,
they purport to be 153 (on left) and 154 'gurkha' para battalions from WWII. However both appear to be reproductions. both look far to new,153 should have details on the handles picked out in black and on 154 the backing looks all wrong. Both are being reproduced. Incidently they are not arm badges but worn on the pugeree of the 'Hat felt Gurkha'
regards
Steve

Hope this helps. I took a photo of this patch on a slouch hat which was in the Curator's office at the Airborne Forces Museum, Duxford.

[Tonomachi]

Originally Posted by green_anorak

Hope this helps. I took a photo of this patch on a slouch hat which was in the Curator's office at the Airborne Forces Museum, Duxford.

Thanks for the trouble of obtaining and posting this photo.

[peter monahan]

Originally Posted by David Tremain

Thanks Peter. See also my latest posting on a 'Gurkha' badge.

David

David

I think I responded to that post - re the Staffs knot badge, no? I actually remember the little wood plaques with the collection of 'gurkha' badges on them. In those days my nickname was 'Gunga Din' because no one else in Ontario but a mate and I collected to Indian units and several people tried to flog them to me.

The lack of knowledge about the IA and the Gurkhas, pre-Internet, was staggering. I recall meeting a chap with a briefcase full of IGS medals, on sale for $10.00 each, which was about the silver value then [mid '70s]. He'd bought them in villages all over India and carried them to Toronto to try and sell. I believe I was the only buyer.

If I'd known then, and had the money then, that I have now... I'd have a great collection or be rich!

Peter

[David Tremain]

Yes, Peter, you did, and thanks again.

David