RAF KC belt buckles

[wasaraftype]

Hi all,

I have recently acquired a RAF KC Other Ranks belt buckle. I have not seen this before. It has been suggested that it could be from an early Musicians belt. It does look to be genuine.

Any help in identifying this would be greatly appreciated.

Apart from the buckle in question, I have sent images of my KC Officer belt buckle for comparison.

Weights:
KC Other Ranks - 59.1g without side belt attachment (front right of buckle)
KC Officer - 65.8g without side belt attachment (front right of buckle)


Regards,

Graham

[RCAF_Mike]

Looks like someone has cut up an Other Ranks' cap badge or two and applied it to a blank buckle. It doesn't look like it was stamped as one piece, and thats what I would expect to see

[Alex Rice]

I don't know, the wreath looks too well fitted to the edge of the buckle to have come from an O/Rs cap badge. Looks correct to me, not quite the same quality as the officer buckle though.
Cheers,
Alex

[wasaraftype]

I have taken a couple more images in light of what has been said so far.

The Crown & RAF are the same size for both the cap badge and buckle. Obviously, the wreath is much larger on the buckle.

I cannot see any joins on the front of the buckle. Looking at the edge it is possible that there are 2 different layers.

It just could be that someone has just taken an awful amount of time to create themselves a bespoke buckle.

The question then is, does anybody know who used a wreath of this size for their buckle? I think it is too large for a cap badge.


Regards,

Graham

[3dg]

Originally Posted by wasaraftype

I have taken a couple more images in light of what has been said so far.

The Crown & RAF are the same size for both the cap badge and buckle. Obviously, the wreath is much larger on the buckle.

I cannot see any joins on the front of the buckle. Looking at the edge it is possible that there are 2 different layers.

It just could be that someone has just taken an awful amount of time to create themselves a bespoke buckle.

The question then is, does anybody know who used a wreath of this size for their buckle? I think it is too large for a cap badge.


Regards,

Graham

It's really well made
Perhaps it's 2 or three cap badges wreaths cut up and slotted together in bits to make a big one maybe?
Top and bottom look like the cap badge wreath?

Chris

[grey_green_acorn]

Similar wreaths are found on and around British Army trade and qualification badges. Here are a few examples:
The propeller in wreath looks to be nearer the right size?
Also with a lot of bending the crown in wreath badge of a warrant officer?

Tim

[grey_green_acorn]

Another wreath with HBB added probably for a civilian brass band?

Tim

[Insignia]

Hello Graham,

I’m with Mike, it’s made up from a couple of cap badges, you can see how the Laurel wreath has been cut and extended.

You can also see what looks the lead solder in the edge shot that’s been used put the pieces together.

Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to put it together.

I can’t say I’ve ever seen anything like it before, it’s an interesting piece for sure.

[wasaraftype]

I have looked again at this buckle through a magnifying glass and the cut on either side of the wreath is clearly visible. Cannot see any other joins though.

Whether it's for early ceremonial service, or someone's personnel use, I'm unsure that it's true purpose will ever be identified.

I cannot see the buckle being allowed to be worn while in normal service dress, I think any 'SWO' who saw it would have an epileptic fit.

Thanks to those who have commented and viewed this item.


Regards,

Graham

[billy]

Graham you have a nice item there! You’ll never find out as to the Why? but it a nice item, unusual and nicely made! Can only think it was done in Station Workshops!