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  #1  
Old 02-11-18, 04:09 PM
rac1944 rac1944 is offline
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Default RAC cap bade - unusual backing

Had to go for this on spec, it's almost too odd to be a fantasy item but sometimes you're not quite sure. Anyone any thoughts on the backing to this badge and also on the odd cutting out of the outer concentric arm just above the centre recess? I've taken some photos of the backing removed and it does look to have age, the red piece in particular but I am at a complete loss as to what it represents, all thoughts welcome, thanks.

John
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File Type: jpg RAC_OddBacking_Pieces_rr.jpg (55.3 KB, 22 views)
File Type: jpg RAC_OddBacking_rr.jpg (64.0 KB, 15 views)
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  #2  
Old 02-11-18, 04:44 PM
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leigh kitchen leigh kitchen is online now
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I've seen a similar strange backing arrangement on a badge for sale on an auction site months ago, I can't remember what badge was involved though. Not very helpful......
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  #3  
Old 02-11-18, 05:45 PM
Hawthorn Hawthorn is offline
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May be way off but the backing material resembles Buccleuch Tartan.

Simon.
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  #4  
Old 02-11-18, 06:17 PM
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Is that the shepherds tartan worn by RRFs Northumbrian Piper? (also favoured by the Palestinians as per my old shemag).
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Old 02-11-18, 07:25 PM
Hawthorn Hawthorn is offline
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That's the one Leigh, yes.

Simon.
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  #6  
Old 03-11-18, 09:07 AM
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Thanks, I'd noted the similarity to the RRF Piper's tartan but I did'nt think it sensible to suggest a 43 RTR Northumbrian Piper's badge backing (I'm not going to run with that one).
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  #7  
Old 03-11-18, 10:02 AM
Hawthorn Hawthorn is offline
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Leigh,

Agree that there would be no reason for it to be that tartan, just noted the similarity in design.

Simon.
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  #8  
Old 03-11-18, 05:06 PM
rac1944 rac1944 is offline
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I did wonder whether it might be related to an RAC training regiment rather than a 'fighting' regiment... (I do have a perhaps hat-stand idea based on the shape of the red backing but don't want to prompt thoughts at this stage )
John
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  #9  
Old 03-11-18, 05:13 PM
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You're thinking similar shape but different colour.......?
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Old 03-11-18, 10:45 PM
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It says in All the Blue Bonnets,the history of the King's Own Scottish Borderers, that 'It happened that Colonel Sir R.J. Waldie-Griffith, Bart., of Hendersyde Park, Kelso, who became Honorary Colonel of the 4th Battalion, wanted a border design for the kilts of his pipers, and looked for something more distinctive than the universal check of the Border shepherds' plaid (as shown as the badge backing here). Hence, by a happy inspiration there was invented the blue overcheck, and the design was named after the great House of Buccleuch. The 'Buccleuch' tartan was worn exclusively by the pipers of the 4th (Border) Battalion. It was also worn by the pipers of the 6th (Border) Battalion during the Second World War.'

Rgds, Thomas
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Old 03-11-18, 11:05 PM
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The check is shown as 'Shepherds' in a 1820 tartan sample book by W. Wilson jun., Bannockburn.
What is the difference between Shepherds and the fashionable 'pied de poule' or hound's-tooth pattern? Is it just a piece of cloth put there by an ignorant collector?
The shape of the red cloth suggests to me it was meant for another badge?

Rgds, Thomas
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  #12  
Old 04-11-18, 04:11 PM
rac1944 rac1944 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by leigh kitchen View Post
You're thinking similar shape but different colour.......?
I had a thought along the lines of support services to regiments (i.e. not regimental per se), clue - I’ll name that song in one...
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  #13  
Old 04-11-18, 04:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fougasse1940 View Post
Is it just a piece of cloth put there by an ignorant collector?
The shape of the red cloth suggests to me it was meant for another badge?

Rgds, Thomas
Both good points and both worries as to its correctness, it’s certainly an oddity or just plain junk!
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