Desert Rat parches. Opinions please. - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

sturm · #1 04-08-23, 12:46 PM

Obtained these from a reputable dealer. Would appreciate some opinions on whether these are WW2 or post war.

Thank you.

Home Guard · #2 04-08-23, 05:45 PM

I have both of those in my collection of Desert rats patches, and have always been intrigued by he first one you show, on the left. Obviously a theater made patch, but from where. Also very interesting to find a second one.

I have been told that mine like yours are WW2 vintage.

Here is an old picture of some of mine, but you can see mine like yours at upper left.

7th Armored.jpg

Thanks for sharing,

Terry

sturm · #3 05-08-23, 11:34 AM

Thanks Terry. I’m guessing it was made in Egypt or Italy?

I posted a pic of it here some years ago but was told it might be a reproduction or fake.

sturm · #4 05-08-23, 02:02 PM

This we can safely assume is a reproduction. It’s printed.

JerryBB · #5 05-08-23, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Home Guard

I have both of those in my collection of Desert rats patches, and have always been intrigued by he first one you show, on the left. Obviously a theater made patch, but from where. Also very interesting to find a second one.

I have been told that mine like yours are WW2 vintage.

Here is an old picture of some of mine, but you can see mine like yours at upper left.

Attachment 287557

Thanks for sharing,

Terry

Interesting, i do not remember seeing this type before

Home Guard · #6 05-08-23, 03:30 PM

Sturm, I saw that printed patch on ebay, and I do believe it to be a repro of some kind.

Terry

sturm · #7 05-08-23, 04:27 PM

Terry,

I’m not aware of any 7th Armoured Brigade printed patches; although many WW2 and post war Brit formation signs were printed.

Bought it from Morigi in the 1990’s and he was/is known for his reproductions.

Regards,
Fariz

Home Guard · #8 05-08-23, 06:41 PM

Fariz, Here is the eBay listing.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155675266...3Avlp_homepage

Terry

sturm · #9 07-08-23, 01:47 PM

Terry,

The seller describes the patch as a “Guaranteed original item” and suggests it might be from the 1980’s.

Had a quick look at the other stuff he has for sale and they look good but I’m no expert.

Hopefully someone else might have more information.

Alan O · #10 07-08-23, 02:35 PM

Not worn in the 1980s. Came back into use in 1991 for Kuwait.

Home Guard · #11 07-08-23, 04:32 PM

Alan, so you're saying that is a valid patch then? Live and learn!!!

Terry

Alan O · #12 07-08-23, 05:08 PM

No I am ruling out the 1980s. In 1991 the desert rats had the design made whilst in Saudi awaiting to go into Kuwait.

4th Armd Bde soon copied as seen in this photo.

As far as I am aware they were embroidered. The 1990s ones were the WW2 orange shade then someone got the order wrong and when I was with the Bde in KFOR the issued ones were red. The orange matched the WW2 ones when the only dye available was the orange.

Home Guard · #13 07-08-23, 06:48 PM

Alan, That patch in your picture is 4th Division, and the patch in question is the 7th Division. So, are you saying this is the same for both?

Just to be sure, then the printed patch in question is a fake after all, or is it a valid, good patch?

Thanks,

Terry

Alan O · #14 07-08-23, 07:07 PM

Terry

The 4th and the 7th were very different. the pic is the 4th.

The printed is not post WW2.

Alan

54Bty · #15 07-08-23, 09:08 PM

These are all FAKE and there are others.

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...pictureid=3279

Marc