New CIIIR Parachute Regt beret badges

[Mike_2817]

John Bull of Ripon (previously of Catterick Garrison) were selling new badges from April produced by I believe Ammo & Co.

[ianh67military]

At last, the definitive picture of the new officer's beret badge. This is the actual badge presented to King Charles by the Parachute Regiment. Hallmarked silver, I'll try to get a photo of the back too.

[grey_green_acorn]

Certainly looks much better than the other ranks version shown in post 3. The crown is properly ‘attached’ fitting snugly above the parachute canopy.

I still wonder if some of the initial batches of badges produced in small numbers for the Coronation contingents were a sort of ‘mock up’ with crowns not properly attached?

Tim

[Luke H]

Originally Posted by ianh67military

At last, the definitive picture of the new officer's beret badge. This is the actual badge presented to King Charles by the Parachute Regiment. Hallmarked silver, I'll try to get a photo of the back too.

That is the Marsh catalogue die! Unbelievable.

But it is infinitely better than what Firmin were doing for ORs.

Note the crown shape and the extended tops to the wing tips. Indeed I think I can even see the infamous die flaw on the left wing.

[manchesters]

Luke,

Perhaps Mr. Marsh is after the Royal Warrant.

regards

[magpie]

Isn't it Gaunt with the flaw to one side between the crown and canopy.

[grenadierguardsman]

Originally Posted by ianh67military

At last, the definitive picture of the new officer's beret badge. This is the actual badge presented to King Charles by the Parachute Regiment. Hallmarked silver, I'll try to get a photo of the back too.

Wow, to me the crown doesn't look uniform ?! Not one i would want.
Andy

[Luke H]

The Gaunt die does have a small flaw between the crown and canopy (pic 1) but it doesn’t have the protruding wing tip edges which are visible on the new silver badge.

The asymmetrical crown arch and square inner feathers are all discernible. Plus the pointy wing tip top edge. I’m very confident it’s the Marsh die… or should I say By Appointment to HM The King, Marsh Militaria die.

[Skippy]

As a big part of my work is information verification I have to ask the question - What is the provenance of that image?

Because the concept that the King has been gifted a cr@p copy of a WWII badge beggars belief.

As bad as those OR Coronation cap badges seem, the style of the crown, however precariously balanced, at least comes across as individual to the new monarch.

Cheers……John

[Alan O]

I agree this may be a total fake as the crown is the pre 1952 one and not CIIIR.

[ianh67military]

Originally Posted by Skippy

As a big part of my work is information verification I have to ask the question - What is the provenance of that image?

Because the concept that the King has been gifted a cr@p copy of a WWII badge beggars belief.

As bad as those OR Coronation cap badges seem, the style of the crown, however precariously balanced, at least comes across as individual to the new monarch.

Cheers……John

John,
When the Parachute Regiment was informed that ALL personnel on the Coronation would be expected to wear the NEW badge steps were taken to ensure the Regiment would be compliant.
Other ranks were issued a new badge ( I think I heard 50 were made).
Officers wanted a solid silver beret badge and these were duly made available. This badge was one of the original run and was presented to King Charles.
Its provenance is impeccable. The image was taken by a relative of mine before he presented it. Those who know me know what my connection to the Regiment is.

Ian H

[Luke H]

Impeccable provenance Ian, thank you.

I wonder who made them and how many were commissioned / purchased?

[3dg]

Not a collector of Parachute Regiment badges, but these 50 OR's ClllR badges, and the Officers silver struck 'fake die'(??) Badges will absolute rocking horse doings for the Parachute Regiment collector, good luck, and good hunting!
Fascinating hobby ours eh!

Chris

[Skippy]

Well Ian then that is certainly provenance enough!

What a turn of events though that what appears to be a fake die of a WWII badge now ends up canon through issue to the King himself!

As Luke states, tell of the procurement and production would be most interesting.

Cheers……John

[Skippy]

Another twist in this tale...

https://supportourparas.org/a-cap-ba...LnYjdwZ22wx5ac

Very clear pictures on there of the origin badge for the King's new badge and an opportunity for serving or former members of the regiment to enter a ballot to purchase a limited run of hallmarked silver badges.

Cheers......John