Any chance these commando title are real?

[WWIIBuff]

What do you think guys?

[popskipa]

In my opinion the printed title and HQ SS Bde formation sign look like fakes, the others appear to be original but would need closer inspection of the 10 Commando title to be 100% sure.

Enjoy the hobby, Keith

[Belly]

Fully concur with Keith. The printed 2 and SSB HQ badges are known reproductions.
The 46 Commando is considered to be postwar and the ‘target badge’ is 6th Anti-Aircraft Division not Cdo related
Regards
Paul

[WWIIBuff]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. There are being offered as a lot on a deal auction that ends today, so I will pass on them. I'll keep the pictures and your feedback in my "fakes" folder.

In reality, I am only after titles for commando's 2, 3, and 4 anyway.

[Belly]

A No 10 is always worth getting!

[WWIIBuff]

Just curious, but why do you say that about No. 10?

[Belly]

Because they are highly sort after and command strong prices

[WWIIBuff]

Hi Belly,

Part of No.10 Commando landed on Juno Beach on D-Day didn't they? Their objective was Riva Bella Casino I believe.

I am only interested in the Commando units that were involved in Operation Chariot or landed on Sword Beach on D-Day, that's why I said 2, 3, & 4, but I guess I should be interested in 10 as well.

By the way, were the embroidered titles worn during these operations, or only printed versions?

Here are a couple more pictures of the No.3 and No.10 titles.

[WWIIBuff]

The seller had a second group available as well. What do you think of these? I'd be interested in the No.3, Royal Marine, and thanks to Belly, the No.10 (if they are real).

[Belly]

Another mixed bag in the second group.
RM looks okay and is post war. The 2 Cdo SS badge and No 10 are common fakes. All the others look like good war time examples.
I'd still say the 10 in the first lot is original and worth a lot more than all the other original badges put together!

[WWIIBuff]

Thanks Belly, I really appreciate the information. Neither lot sold at the auction, but the seller is willing to break them up and sell me select pieces.

I guess I'll pick up the two No.3's, and the one No. 10.

Can you tell me if embroidered titles were worn into combat, or just printed versions, or both. I have not been able to find an answer to that question. Also do you know if they would only wear embroidered combined operation patches with embroidered titles, and the same for printed versions, or would they mix and match?

[Belly]

Both printed and embroidered titles were worn in combat in WWII and you often see Battle dresses with a mix of printed and embroidered titles and combined operations badges worn together. Have a look at the excellent galleries on the CVA here:
http://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/
I must admit though I usually try and match them for display, unless the badges came together. It is well documented that Commando titles were standardised to the red on blue (black) type and started to be worn at the end of 1942. The printed badges were the original official issue.
So if it’s the units that took part in Operation Chariot that interest you, please be aware that these badges and titles postdate this operation. As far as I’ve seen in photographs of the operation no insignia appears to have been worn, but that’s not to say everyone didn’t.
Good luck
Paul

[WWIIBuff]

Hello Belly,

Thank you very much for all that information and the link. I just learned a lot thanks to you. I will look at the link shortly.

I am glad you told me about the mix of badge types, and the fact that the printed badges were probably the ones worn during operations Chariot, if at all (I'll need to check the photos).

This is all important to me because I am not a true badge collector. I do collect badges, but also uniforms, headgear, equipment, weapons, etc. Some of the badges I am collecting will go on display in my glass cabinet, but others are destined to be lightly tacked on BD's on mannequins.

I have several mannequins I am working on, including a couple commando's from either Operation Chariot or D-Day (or both if I buy a larger home ). I strive for accurate impressions with all my mannequins, so I really needed this information to be able to do them right.

Thanks again, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

John

[Belly]

No problem John
Just to clarify printed commando badges and combined ops were the original run of the standardised red on blue (black) badges NOT the original badges worn by commandos in their early years.
Before the standardisation ~Nov 42, the units did their own thing with all sorts of colours, symbols and shapes. You’ll note 2 Cdo wore a bullion arm badge with an FS knife and the letters SS for special service accompanied by a white on black commando title.
I still don’t believe any insignia at all was worn on Op Chariot but happy to be proved wrong!
Cheers
Paul

[WWIIBuff]

Thanks for the clarification Paul!

I also checked every image I could find showing Operation Chariot, and as you said, I do not see any insignia being worn.