Rank pips

[Pylon1357]

This whole metal rank pip thing has always confused me. I am refering to the colours and not the number. Also the different sizes. Some are a little larger than the common ones, others are smaller.

Here is one I was tying to describe last evening while talking with a local collector.

These pips are sort of a white/silvery wash to them. They have the red centres, so I think they would be Infantry... but why the gilting?

Hi - The 'pip' illustrated seems to be a base of silver plate which would suggest a pre 1908 Volunteer officer. The colours you speak of relate to the arm or service under which the officer serves - Line Infantry, Corps, etc. but, in essence, the 'pip' follows the insignia device of the Order of the Bath - I have even seen 'pips' advertised as insignia of the Order - the world is full of idiots ! The subject is very wide but essential study for anyone wishing to know precisely what it is they have. Yours, incidentally, is a very nice one - do you have others of the same ? Regards. David

[Peter Brydon]

Some regiments have particular designs for their pips , for example the Guards,then was it the Middlesex and South Wales Borderers who I think had the Eversleigh Star ?( someone will tell me if I am wrong)

Some rifle regiments and battalions had blackened pips and other regiments originally had bronze pips on service dress changing to gilt and enamel and more recently to anodised.Small pips in gilt and enamel which I have seen I tend to think where for mess dress.

Mention has been made of silvered pips worn by volunteers,there also chromed pips worn by the Police and SJAB

BUT the subject of pips does not generally appear to be covered by dress regulations and I wonder if it is maufacturers variations which account for the large number of variations in gilt and enamel pips that you come across.

I recently wanted 4 pips to replace missing ones on a tunic. I found a dealer with plenty of pips for sale but it took a little time to match up 4 identical ones.

P.B

[Peter Brydon]

I have just found the attached pair of pips in my spares box which I had forgotten all about.They are blackened white metal- no idea which regiment(s), could be rifle vols ?

Pips offer a wide area for cheap collecting ( pity they rather on the boring side )

P.B.

[wright241]

With reference to the different colours of the pips: silver, gilt etc - green/plain laurels, red/blue enamel, plain with motto on etc.
Can anyone point me to where I can find out to which branch the different colours relate to?
Thanks.

[Pylon1357]

Hello lads, It's great to hear I am not alone in regards to the confusion in regards to pips. Also nice to hear that I am not the only one who has had trouble trying to match up pips that are missing.

I got these pips quite some time ago in a grouping of insignia. The group was advertized as small box of odds and ends, possibly military. It had a few brass titles, many other pips of various sizes and colours, along with a few collars and cap badges.

I think they could be silver base metal, I never really though about it. I have included a scan of the reverse of one. Also I have included a scan of the slip on they came on.

[wright241]

Originally Posted by Pylon1357

Hello lads, It's great to hear I am not alone in regards to the confusion in regards to pips. Also nice to hear that I am not the only one who has had trouble trying to match up pips that are missing.

I got these pips quite some time ago in a grouping of insignia. The group was advertized as small box of odds and ends, possibly military. It had a few brass titles, many other pips of various sizes and colours, along with a few collars and cap badges.

I think they could be silver base metal, I never really though about it. I have included a scan of the reverse of one. Also I have included a scan of the slip on they came on.

Pylon1357,
One of the sets I have is similar to yours - whereas yours have green laurels on white, the ones I have are green on gilt - they have same red enamel background to the motto.
wright241

[2747andy]

[QUOTE=8thfoot;15547]Some regiments have particular designs for their pips , for example the Guards,then was it the Middlesex and South Wales Borderers who I think had the Eversleigh Star ?( someone will tell me if I am wrong)

Peter,
Guards Officer's wear Stars, I think you'll find it's citrus fruit which have pips!

Andy

[Peter Brydon]

Thanks Andy,

Is it really 4 years since I posted that.

Peter

[whitebone]

Check out "The Sergeant Majors Book of Badges, Book 10, Canadian Rank Badges 1855-present". It shows examples of Canadian pips and explains who wore what. Also it has the pages from various Canadioan Dress Regs that explained quite detailed who wore what rank star and on which uniform.
Cheers.