As most bloggers quickly realize, it is a real challenge to keep coming up with new subject matter which will be of continuing interest to the
viewer. In addition even with reasonably good equipment, I’m not the best of
photographers. Specific apologies for shadow and glare on a couple of frames due to overhead lighting configuration and obstructions out in front, including a group of four descending miniature British paratroopers.
With that being said, thought I would present what some fellow
Scots refer to as a “Gallimaufry”, which translated means a hash of odds and
ends. Hopefully viewers will spot something of personal interest, somewhat
analogous to going into an antique militaria shop or sections of a museum. The subject matter ranges from
British and Commonwealth badges (predominately Scottish and Special Forces), to
a grouping of the special forces insignia of the former Soviet Union. The Soviet grouping was collected in the brief window of 1989-1991, and to the best of the author's knowledge is righteous, i.e. all pieces genuine.
It should be stated from the outset, that while there are a significant number of rather scarce genuine pieces, however the seasoned collector will immediately spot
some likely “fillers”, i.e., reproductions, due to the well established rarity of the real insignia. This is principally due
to the fact that in the condition they are in, the real article can only be found
in regimental museums or advanced private collections, and would be at prohibitive prices if made available to the
average collector. However, a significant number of these insignia were acquired in Great Britain on midshipman cruises as early as the summer of 1955.
Viewers are invited to check back, as I will be expanding
the number of photographs as well as descriptions for persons who may not be that familiar
with certain types of insignia. In addition if you have a question about a specific item, please don't hesitate to mention it in the comments, and I will try to respond in the same comments section.
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| An assortment of regimental titles and formation badges of the British Army and rating badges of the Royal Navy |
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| Various WWII British Armed Forces shoulder titles, formation badges, and skill-at-arms insignia |
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| Same frame from a different angle |
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| Another assortment of WWII British Airborne Forces and Combined Operations insignia, as well as Army Formation and Skill-at-Arms badges |
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| Same frame from a different angle |
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| A significant assortment of WWII British Special Forces insignia including Airborne Forces, Royal Marine Commando, Special Air Service, and Canadian Parachute Corps |
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| A look at some WWII vintage RAF brevets, British Army Skill-at-Arms badges, Shoulder titles and Formation insignia |
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| Same frame from a different angle |
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| An assortment of British Special Forces insignia including Royal Marine Swimmer-Canoeist qualifications (Special Boat Service), Fleet Air Arm Pilot's wings, Special Air Service Regiment, Chindits, Parachute Regiment brevets and Drop Zone badges, and Canadian Airborne insignia |
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| A grouping of insignia from the Gordon Highlanders and affiliated regiments from the London Scottish, to Canada and South Africa |
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| A close-up presenting a chronology of the cap badges of the Gordon Highlanders throughout the "Life of a Regiment" |
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| Predominately cap badges of Scottish Regiments of the Canadian Army, also included are the Canadian and Australian Army Intelligence Corps, Lord Stratcona's Horse and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police |
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| Basically the cap badges of the Scottish Regiments of the British Army |
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| A drum-major's baldric of the 1st Bn of the Parachute Regiment |
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| A detailed close-up of the baldric showing the battle honors "Bruneval", "Normandy Landing" and "Arnhem 1944" |
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| The blazon of a regimental side drum of the 1st Bn 92nd Gordon Highlanders |
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| Details of the uniform of a Lieut-Colonel of the 92nd Gordon Highlanders circa 1936 |
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| Further details of the same uniform |
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| Principally the special qualification badges of Royal Marine Mountain Leader, Swimmer-Canoeist, and other specialized qualification distinctions, as well as Royal Navy Rating badges |
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| A variety of special forces insignia of the former Soviet Union including Airborne Forces (VDV), Naval Infantry and Spetsnaz |
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| A grouping of Parachute Regiment, Glider Pilot Regiment, Special Forces, and Royal Marines, as well as Canadian Airborne Forces |
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| A variety of British and Canadian Airborne and Special Forces, also note the crossed lances of the Musical Ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police |
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| Another grouping of British special forces insignia including the Parachute Regiment, Royal Marines, Special Air Service, Canadian Airborne and the Royal Navy Submarine Parachute Assistance Group |
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| Airborne and Special Forces of Canada, as well as RCMP Emergency Response Team and British Gulf War insignia |
