RNAS? RAF? FAA of RAF? FRANKENSTEIN?

[Aerowallah]

My first post, and would be glad of any help as all other forums have failed!!!

I know this isn't RNAS, and I've posted my two caps for comparison. But the dimensions, wool, visor and chinstrap are identical to the dress cap. Clearly inside is not of a WW1 pattern. The mystery hat has no stiffener and is of crusher style.

Is this made up or, perhaps, from that rare period 1919-1924 Warren Carroll mentions as still under investigation as to distinctives worn by ex-RNAS? Or is it Fleet Air Arm of the RAF 1924-1937?

Everything is very tightly sewn. Eagle does not appear to have been added recently.

Can't read the whole name.

I tried to collect Gieves labels for dating but all I could find were WW2 which this isn't.

Help and Rgds!

[Phil2M]

hi and welcome to the forum. can you post some pictures at all?

thanks

phil

[Aerowallah]

You bet, Phil. Didn't realize the moderator okayed the thread.

The mystery hat...

[Aerowallah]

[Aerowallah]

My RNAS caps...








Rgds
John

[Aerowallah]

Gieves' WW2 / 1940s label...

[zob]

Originally Posted by Aerowallah

Hi,

Your badge appears to be a late WW2 pattern RN officer's cap badge that has obviously had the anchor removed and an eagle supplanted in its place. Also, I noticed from the close-up photograph that there appears to be a trace of thread just below the eagles beak on the inside of the wreath, suggesting the original point from which the tips of the anchor were also removed, but not quite in their entirety. I've attached a partial scan of an early 1930's pattern RN cap badge which should help demonstrate my point.

Best regards,

Zob.

[RCN]

Here is my RNAS Pilot's cap - this is 1915 vintage, belonged to the first Canadian Naval officer to qualify as an Airship pilot in early 1915.

It is the small peak approx 1 1/2" wide at the base of the badge.

Bryan