Combined Ops formation sign – good or bad? Dates of use?

[Chacal]

I recently got this felt Combined Operations formation sign, 8 x 9cm, and wanted to check that if it is good or bad and, if good, any ideas for dates of use?

It will be offered for sale on here if good.

As always any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for looking

Graham

[Luc]

The backing cloth is a bit unusual but I'd say it is original and from around WW2.

[Mike B]

There are so many variants of these Combined Operations badges - reflecting numbers entitled to wear it, their dispersion across the globe, time scales of wear during and after WW2. Personally, I find it tricky to de definitive in my opinions; apart from known variants, based on photographic evidence and attribution.

As for this variant, it looks unusual colouring (may be lighting), but well made. It would be interesting to know if the reverse flares.

My hunch would be later rather than early timescale - based on no evidence, so pure speculation. I note it is tombstone shape, which confuses the speculation a bit.

[High Wood]

Have a look here for known variants. I am sure that there must be other non-recorded variants.

https://www.combinedops.com/INSIGNIA%20SPECIMENS.htm

[Chacal]

Thank you all for your comments; regarding the backing, it burns (quite quickly) rather than melting.

I'll check the colour in daylight tomorrow to see it there is significant colour variation from my photo, and post the result.

Thanks again

Graham

[Mike B]

Hi Graham
Please be careful with burn test - when referring to 'flaring' I meant going bright when put under UV light in the dark.
Not a 100% reliable test, but often picks up synthetic thread to help date items.
All the best
Mike

[Chacal]

Originally Posted by Mike B

Hi Graham
Please be careful with burn test - when referring to 'flaring' I meant going bright when put under UV light in the dark.
Not a 100% reliable test, but often picks up synthetic thread to help date items.
All the best
Mike

Thank you Mike, I misunderstood. Checking under UV light today neither front nor back showed any reaction to it. I also checked the colour in daylight and my photos make it look more 'blue' when it is actually closer to navy blue. Appreciating that the tests aren't 100% foolproof it would appear to be an older patch, is that correct?

Thanks again to everyone for their inputs, as always much appreciated.

Graham