Large SSB - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

fearnaught · #1 15-12-14, 03:59 PM

Hi, picked up this large badge at the weekend and wondered what it's use was, any ideas? thanks in advance, Mike

manchesters · #2 15-12-14, 04:32 PM

Mike,

SSB = Special Service Bn, the SDB is it in Afrikans.

worn 1934-1963.

regards

Milmed · #3 16-12-14, 04:22 AM

Just an educated guess.... based on the size, this may be an embelishment worn on the bandmasters sash of the SSB band.

Alex Rice · #4 17-12-14, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milmed

Just an educated guess.... based on the size, this may be an embelishment worn on the bandmasters sash of the SSB band.

OR a bandsman's pouch badge?

fearnaught · #5 18-12-14, 08:29 AM

Hi all, thanks for that information. Can anyone actually confirm its use by the band and a possible time frame for its use? thanks in advance Mike

sabrigade · #6 18-12-14, 10:01 AM

Du Toit Medals 080412 A3.JPG

photo 2.jpg

I have a similar badge in my collection and I believe it came off a wooden unit presentation plaque.

The SSB brass pouch badge is indicated in the bottom photograph and is in Owen at number 1294, I believe that they are very rare.

sabrigade · #7 18-12-14, 10:35 AM

photo 5.jpg

A clearer photograph of the pouch badge.

fearnaught · #8 18-12-14, 12:44 PM

Hi Will, thanks for the images, the badge must be similar in size to your large gilt badge. The only reason I would say for it not being ornamentation is the lugs. It's more usual for pins or screw fixings on that sort of thing, though "never say never" seems to be a good motto when dealing with badges. The other consideration is that it is a fantasy creation. In it's favour it is quite light for it's size, thanks again for your imput, Mike

sabrigade · #9 18-12-14, 01:02 PM

Hi Mike,

Agreed, there are always surprises which makes badge collecting so fascinating.

I will try find out more when I eventually get back to South Africa.

There is also a reference book regarding the SSB in process and I will approach the author who has done a few years research on this subject.

Regards,

Will

Brian Conyngham · #10 18-12-14, 04:56 PM

Hi Guys

I have the SSB book by Otto published in the 1970's, sadly there are no pictures that clearly show any insignia, a big shortfall in that series.

Regards
Brian

sabrigade · #11 19-12-14, 08:28 AM

Brian,

There are some excellent "undiscovered" photographs that Marius has found during his research and I hope that many will be in his planned book which has now reached an advance stage and it looks very professional.

Regards,

Will