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Hi. I found this saw a while ago. What position did the soldier use it for? And I'm curious about the exact usage Thanks.

I don't know about these things, but hoping that someone might be able to help me figure out an era of this pith helmet? Thanks in advance! Elizabeth

Just started reading a book called The Guards Brigade in the Crimea by Michael Springman. Not too far into it yet, but it's already fascinating. The idea of purchasing your commission seems a bit foreign nowadays, but I always assumed that it was left over from mediaeval times or something like that. Interestingly, there is a whole page about it in the above book which sums it up nicely. The short version is that when Cromwell used his new army to take over and control Parliament, it made a profound impact on the English leaders and politicians. So much so that it would be 200 years before they "got over it". Cromwell's military officers were men acting on Religious and patriotic principals who trained to a point of excellence. As soon as the monarchy was restored, Parliament decided that officers could and would only be selected from the families who had a stake in the running of the country and the money to support the monarchy and Parliament. Therefore, the practice of purchasing a commission was instituted -- and stayed in place until the reforms of 1871. This is an aspect of history that I'm always interested in and would be happy to hear thoughts on the system and whether the above seems correct, etc. Generally, what I've found online ascribes various motives to the purchasing of commissions, but usually just "good reasons" for the way certain people could or could not move up the ladder of promotion, the use of cashiering as discipline, etc. @FROGSMILE Tagging you here, as I'd be interested in your thoughts and input on this topic.

Starting a thread for everyone to share any photos/finds of all types of militaria from the Coldstream Guards. This can include everything and anything that was used by a Coldstream Guard -- uniforms, helmets, caps, badges, buttons, letters, medals, weapons, etc. It's always so much nicer to see some real items when researching, so let's share some photos (from your own collection or anything you can find). To start off with, here are some really great photos of a Coat. This was only listed as "Early Genuine British Coldstream Guards Dress Uniform with Belt" - no year given. I'm not experienced enough to date it, but these are some great photos! This coat was sold for $200.00 at Worthington Galleries (Gallatin, TN) on 19 May 2018.

Hello, I was looking through an old Bailey, Banks, and Biddle catalog and I came across a page where they advertised a Victoria Cross. The listing says "Prices on request". Has anyone ever seen an American made Victoria cross stamped with BB&B on it? Doing a quick search, I came across this index card from NARA

Hi! I know nothing about VCs, but would be interested in seeing pictures of actual ones (too hard for a novice to plow through the staggering amount of repros online). Also, are you allowed to own them? Thanks! Elizabeth

Here are some British Medal groups to share.... A Group of 4 to an artilleryman including the Military Medal. I Had the group mounted while I was in the UK and I was fortunate to have some original ribbon to use! You can no longer get watered ribbons (like the WWI Victory and 1915 Star) as the technique is impossible to replicate today. -Ski

Attempting to better understand the differences between current Full Dress, I am stuck with the concept of No.1 “Dress Blues“. Taking an example of Prince Harry I see a lot of embellishment on the sleeves and the neckline, which I have not always seen him wear, nor on others. More noticeable would be the repeat ruffles, from the neck down, along the chest, that I did not see elsewhere either. What is going here ?

One of the favorite sets in my British collection. Numbered 1295, the cravat has the ties or hooks cut off but displays well. I love the detailed enamel work on British orders and the high quality involved. Is there potential for ID based on the number? I understand there are some provisions in the statutes that require return of some orders upon elevation or death. Does that make research or identification more difficult? Any direction and/or assistance is certainly appreciated.

Instituted by Royal Warrant dated 6 Sept 1866, the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces, typically serving under fire. The award carries with it the right to append the letters D.S.O. after the recipient's name. The first dated DSOs awarded on 25 Nov 1886. Until the end of the 20th Century, it was only awarded to Officers, typically the rank of Major and over. When awarded to lower ranks, it was usually for actions just below deserving the VC. Until 1943, recipients had to be mentioned in despatches to be recommended for the award. Since 1993, all ranks have been eligible and it has been awarded for "highly successful command and leadership during active operations". This award is usually given for actual service in combat or conditions equivalent of combat. Between 1914 and 1916, it was awared to staff officers who were not under fire, but in 1917 it was again restricted to combat action. In 1942, officers of the Merchant Navy were allowed to be awarded the DSO, as well. DESCRIPTION The badge consists of a convex gold cross, enamelled white, leaving an edge of gold. Obverse: In the center, within two sprigs of laurel that are enamelled green, is the Imperial Crown in gold upon a red enamelled ground. Reverse: The Monarch's monogram within two branches of laurel, also upon a red enamelled ground. The badge is worn suspended from a red ribbon drape that is edged with blue, 1 in. in width, from a gold laureated bar 1⅕ in. wide, fastened to the badge by two gold loops, and having a similar gold laureated bar with brooch attachment above. Originally the medal was gold, since 1889 it is silver gilt. Officially issued unnamed. Some recipients privately get their name engraved on the back of the suspension bar. BARS Beginning in 1916, Ribbon Bars were authorised for subsequent awards, and the bar would be worn on the ribbon of the original DSO. The bar is plain gold and in the center is the Imperial Crown. Since the late 1930s, the year the medal is awarded is engraved on the back of the bar. A silver rosette is worn on the ribbon to signify the award of each bar. Front: (Medal with bar) Backs: (Queen Victoria era) (George V era) (George VI era) (Queen Elizabeth II era) If you have one of these medals to show, a picture of a soldier wearing it, or a story about this medal being awarded/earned . . . please feel free to share it here!

Thought it might be nice to have a thread discussing the iconic Bearskin helmets of the Foot Guards. They're quite fascinating, and the styles of Bearskins worn throughout European armies over the centuries are really quite varied. The look in England is simple -- but unmistakable. While I don't know a lot about them, we'll start with basics, and I hope others will come and add to this discussion, as it's a topic I'm always trying to learn about. ~ From Waterloo to the Crimea ~ The first use of the iconic Bearskin in the British Army was after the Battle of Waterloo. At that time, the infantry regiments of Napoleon's elite Imperial Guard wore the Bearskin Helmet. This served both as a sign of prestige, as well as giving a more fearsome appearance in battle. Of course, Wellington and his army gave the French a hard time at Waterloo (cheers), and Napoleon saved his Imperial Guard infantry back. It wasn't until about half past seven in the evening that he ordered the Middle Guard regiments to charge up Mont St. Jean to attack the British. The 1st Regiment of Foot Guards were stationed behind the hill as the 1st Brigade when Wellington issued the order to stand and attack. The Guards stood up in a long line (about 250 metres) and fired, driving the French back with repeated shots and bayonet attacks. This picture is a French Grenadier's Bearskin helmet, captured at Waterloo: And this is a picture of a Private in the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, as they looked at Waterloo. They wore a Shako cap at the time, which was a common design in many British regiments. After this great victory at Waterloo, the Prince Regent believed the Guards to have defeated the French Grenadiers, and the 1st Foot Guards have since been called the Grenadier Guards. (In fact, from what I've read, it was the Chasseurs regiment of Foot Guards that the British drove back, but a simple mistake led to one of Britain's most recognizable names for one of their elite units.) The Regiment also adopted the Grenade as their badge and the iconic Bearskin helmet (or "cap") that is now part of Britain's worldwide image. The Grenadiers were the only British Regiment to bear this distinctive headgear for the following 16 years, until the privilege of the Bearskin was extended to the 2nd and 3rd Regiments of Foot Guards (Coldstream Guards and Scots Guards, respectively) in 1831. It was not until other Regiments of Foot Guards were raised that the use of the Bearskin was extended to more soldiers (Irish Guards in 1900, and Welsh Guards in 1915). By the time of the Crimean War, the Bearskin was instantly recognizable and appeared in many paintings portraying the battle heroics of the illustrious and elite Foot Guards. Here, the Grenadier Guards have just crossed the river at the Battle of the Alma: The Coldstream Guards in the midst of the same battle: And the Scots Guards, also at the Battle of the Alma, as painted by Lady Butler: ~ Bearskin Specifics ~ Getting down to specifics of the cap itself can be a little tricky. Weight is between 1.5 to 2 pounds. The height today (and for the last decades) is somewhere between 16-18" high, though sources seem to vary in this statement from article to article. Originally, I've found some sources saying that the Grenadier Guards' original Bearskins were made at 21" high -- culminating in the extra-high-23-inch versions worn by Guards at the coronation of King George IV. Those were so tall, however, that the officers could barely ride a horse. The helmets are made of skins from American Brown Bears, which have been dyed black. (Black Bears have thinner, shorter fur) It takes one skin per helmet. The cost today is about £650 (not sure whether that is just for the fur or for the whole cap). ~ Plumes and Parades ~ So, next time you watch the Trooping of the Colour or any event when the Queen's Guards are shown, it can be pretty simple to identify which company is which. This is easily done by noticing the colored plumes (or lack thereof) decorating the Bearskins. Grenadier Guards: While this is the 1st Regt. of Foot Guards, it's not the oldest. Consequently, when parading with other Guards units, they are seen on the far right. Originally, all Guards wore a white plume on their Bearskin or headdress (left side), though the Grenadiers are the only company to continue with this practice. Coldstream Guards: This is the 2nd Regt. of Foot Guards, but it's actually the oldest regiment in service today. Because of this, the Coldstream Guards are always seen on the extreme left when parading with any other Guards units. And, in keeping with its motto of "Second to None", they adopted a red plume (worn on the right) to differentiate them from other companies. Scots Fusilier Guards: This is the 3rd Regt. of Foot Guards, and they are seen in the centre when parading with other Guards units. They are also the only Guards to wear no plume at all on their headdress. Irish Guards: This company was formed in 1900, and their Bearskins are decorated by a blue plume worn on the right side. Welsh Guards: This company was formed by command of King George V in 1915. Their Bearskins feature a striped white-green-white plume worn on the left side. Well, I hope this is a good start. If anyone has more to add about this amazing piece of militaria, please do.

Established in 1854 by Queen Victoria, the Distinguished Conduct Medal is the oldest British gallantry award. For any rank below commissioned officer, it ranked second highest for gallantry awards, just under the Victoria Cross. For other ranks, it was the equivalent of the DSO (which was only awarded to commissioned officers). In 1993, it was discontinued, being replaced by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (when gallantry awards distinguished by rank were reviewed and modified). Instituted during the Crimean War in Dec 1854 as an award to WOs, NCOs and men of the British Army for distinguished, gallant and good conduct in the field. Before this, there was no official medal recognizing individual acts of gallantry. Along with the DCM, the awardee was granted a gratuity that was given at discharge from the Army. During The Great War a high number of DCMs were awarded, raising concerns about the medal's meaning and prestige. The Military Medal was instituted as a lower award, with the DCM reserved for exceptional gallantry and acts of bravery. The DCM was an Army-only award until 1942, with a single exception - Beginning in Sept 1916 and continuing for the war's duration, it could be awarded to members of the Royal Naval Division. After the change in 1942, other ranks of the RAF, RN and the Air and Naval Forces of Dominions and British Colonies were also eligible for award of the DCM for distinguished conduct in action on the ground. In 1979, eligibility was extended to posthumous awards. DESCRIPTION The medal was struck in silver and is a 36 mm (1.4 inches) disk. The suspender of all versions is of an ornamented scroll pattern, although the attachment of the suspender to the medal varied between versions (early versions were suspended in a manner that allowed the planchet to swivel). The ribbon is crimson with a navy blue center band. All medals awarded had the recipient's number, rank, name and unit engraved on the rim. OBVERSE Pre-1902 version - A Trophy of Arms incorporating a central shield bearing the Royal Coat of Arms, no inscription. From 1902 and after, the effigy of the reigning monarch replaced the trophy of arms, with the respective titles of the monarch around the perimeter. King Edward VII – "EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR". King George V, bareheaded – "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:". King George V, crowned – "GEORGIVS•V•D•G•BRITT•OMN•REX•ET•INDIÆ•IMP•". Issued for awards in the 1930s. King George VI – "GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR OMN REX ET INDIAE IMP:" awarded during the Second World War and immediately after. King George VI - "GEORGIVS VI DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF:" awarded from the late 1940s. (This second type was awarded, instead of the Elizabeth II version, to Canadians during the Korean War.) Queen Elizabeth II – "ELIZABETH II D:G:BR:OMN: REGINA F:D:" awarded in the mid-1950s Queen Elizabeth II - "ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F.D" awarded thereafter until 1993. REVERSE Same for all versions, very simply designed featuring "FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT IN THE FIELD" underlined by two spears and a laurel wreath. BAR Introduced in 1881, a bar could be awarded to signify each subsequent award. Bars are straight and also struck in silver. Bars awarded between 1881 into 1916 bear the month and year of the subsequent award. Those awarded after mid-1916 bear no date but feature a laurel spray. When only ribbons are worn, a silver rosette for each bar is worn on the ribbon. Queen Victoria Version: Edward VII Version: King George V, Version 1: King George V (crowned), Version 2: King George VI, Version 1: King George VI, Version 2: Queen Elizabeth II, Version 1 (this picture is of a reproduction): Queen Elizabeth II, Version 2: If you have one of these medals to show, a picture of a soldier wearing it, or a story about this medal being awarded/earned . . . please feel free to share it here!

This topic is meant to serve as a sort of "Table of Contents" for various useful threads that discuss the basics/details of uniforms, insignia, equipment and medals issued by the UK, making it easier to find out where to learn and post about your great collection pieces or current subject of research. Every thread here is open and active, so please feel free to post your thoughts, questions and photos as often as you'd like to share. While they are meant to serve as good reference for those wanting to learn, they're also meant to be great discussions between members. Please, enjoy the discussions and add to these threads. Thanks! If you think a thread should be added to this directory, just message any Ground Crew Member or Moderator. MEDALS & AWARDS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Crimea Medal (1854-56) Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) Distinguished Service Order (DSO) Military Cross (MC) Punjab Medal (1849) War Medal, 1939 to 1945 WWII Defense Medal UNIFORMS, HELMETS & HEADGEAR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Uniform Reference Books Bearskin Helmets: The Iconic Headdress of the Foot Guards South Wales Borderers, Officer's Field Service Caps British Army and RAF contract numbers Part 1:6/CLO... British Army and RAF contract numbers Part 2: A/78/CLO... used from 1961 to 1980 BADGES & INSIGNIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Airborne Pegasus Patches Airborne WWII Cloth Insignia British Royal Cyphers on Buttons Glider Pilot Regiment Brevets The Kings Own Scottish Borderers RFC / RAF Cloth Wing Badges Robin Hood Formation Signs Patches WW2 Era British Paratrooper Wings

New to this forum but a long time collector. Think that this type of information will be most helpful to the forum especially the newer members and newer collectors so that they know what to look for in the future. Realize rare can be interpreted different ways; could just elite units, etc. Anxious to learn what forum members think .

Just arrived today from a local auction. Military version of the KCB. I’m excited to add it to my British orders collection. I’m partial to the beauty and workman’s in this star. Now just need another neck order and case. Based on the gold pin does anyone have opinion on period? No marking I could find. Feel open to share any in your collections please.

One of my side collections is seeking out and collecting Movie Props and memorabilia from War movies, I get to display them in my shop and even the non military people we get in always seem to be drawn to them. so I was really excited to add this one to my collection. - from the recent award winning film "1917". Regardless of what people may think of the movie itself, I thought that they did a pretty good job on the "kit and clobber" interestingly the helmet is made of plastic, and I read that they made them 8% larger to make up for the visual size difference in people today vs. them. Hope you like it!

The HMS Repulse has a motto - Qui Tangit Frangitur "Who touches me is broken" Where would you see this? Patch? Pennant? Something? Thanks for any thoughts! Elizabeth

This is just an informative post to help other members who may have a interest in British Special Forces insignia. One thing to keep in mind is Special Forces insignia is highly desired and also Highly Reproduced. First and foremost, all of these Reproduction were Sold on eBay as Original period pieces which they are not. 1. Seller describes items as " Authentic WW2 British SAS Tabs ". The most obvious issue is the 4th SAS (French) never wore a shoulder title, no need to comment further on the other trash bin pieces. eBay listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-WW-2-British-S-A-S-Tabs-1-4-/323745549869?hash=item4b60bd0e2d%3Ag%3AOFMAAOSwzaJX-CYw&nma=true&si=RMRGe8uSUhi3CsMN7tXRHoZFO40%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 2. Seller describes items as " WWII British Airborne Paratrooper Jump Wings". Not even close. eBay listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-BRITISH-AIRBORNE-MILITARY-PARATROOPER-JUMP-WINGS-PATCHES-BLUE-GREEN-/273741260664?hash=item3fbc402778%3Ag%3ADBAAAOSwN3NcURZN&nma=true&si=RMRGe8uSUhi3CsMN7tXRHoZFO40%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Formed on 18 March 1689, by the Earl of Leven, in Edinburgh. The regiment, known as the Edinburgh Regiment of Foot, was created to defend Edinburgh from the forces of King James VII and it was said that 800 men joined the regiment in just two hours. The regiment fought at the Battle of Killiecrankie in July 1689 and also at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, when it was known as Semphill’s Regiment of Foot. When the British infantry was allocated numerical positions in the 'line' of Infantry, this regiment was numbered as the 25th regiment (based on its formation date) in 1751, and was known as the 25th Edinburgh Regiment of Foot. In 1805, the recruiting area was moved to the Scottish Borders region and the regiment became known as The 25th (King's Own Borderers) Regiment of Foot. Under the Childers Reforms of 1881 (when numbered British regiments were changed to named regiments based on their local “Regimental District”) the regiment became The King's Own Borderers on 1 July 1881. The regiment became The King's Own Scottish Borderers in 1887. The Kings Own Scottish Borderers served in both World Wars and lost ninety percent of its seventh battalion at the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944. In 2006, the Kings Own Scottish Borderers Regiment was amalgamated with the Royal Scots to form the Royal Scots Borderers, which became the 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Attached here is a badge (from my collection) of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers, with a King’s crown, and dates to World War II. It is mounted on a piece of “Leslie” tartan.

My prize Scottish collection. I have buttons from all of the British Regiments of Foot that had Scottish origins (there were 19 out of 100+), plus all of the named regiments they became, up thru the current Royal Regiment of Scotland. Plus some Yeomanry and Guards and some Militia. Two of the old militia buttons date to around 1800. Also a scattering of collar badges, shoulder titles, and even a sporran badge. As a side note, the numbered Regiments of Foot were renamed in 1881 (no longer numbered regiments in order of seniority), therefore those regimental buttons with a number pre-date 1881. I tried to post the named regiments together along with the numbered regiments they superseded.

My display of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the RROS badge in the middle surrounded by the badges of the individual regiments that merged forming the RROS in 2006. Side note: the three RROS patches in the corners plus the blue feather hackle of the 4th Battalion RROS (bottom left) were gifted to me by the Royal Regiment of Scotland Museum for a donation I made of a theater-made patch for the RROS (made in Afghanistan). I love those four items, look great with these badges.

Each of the British monarchs had their own "Cypher" that was sometimes put on buttons, badges, etc. Many just had the crown for Queen Victoria, or "King's crown" (used for all four kings between Victoria and Elizabeth), or Queen Elizabeth crown. But a few, such as the Royal Engineers buttons & badges, had the full cypher as well. Attached pictures from my Royal Engineer buttons.

ENGLISH BACK SIGHT OCTANT by Spencer, Browning & Rust An octant is a portable instrument that uses a small mirror to bring two images together--those of the sun and the horizon, for instance--to determine latitude at sea by observing the altitude of celestial bodies. It has an arc of 45o or more that measures angles of 90o or more. John Hadley described an instrument of this sort to the Royal Society of London in 1731 and obtained a British patent in 1734, and so octants are sometimes known as Hadley quadrants. This mariner's octant was made during the last half of the 18th Century and is the work of Spencer, Browning & Rust under private label for A. Johnson. It has two horizon mirrors and two peep sights. The lower assemblage is for taking “back sights“ and the upper is for traditional observations. The mark, SBR, Spencer, Browning & Rust, appears on the arc between 45°; and 50°. SBR is known to be one of England's foremost instrument makers. The sharpness of the arc's numerals shows that this instrument was made to the highest level of then existing technology by a company that stood at the top of its trade. You can clearly see the mark of SBR between 45 and 50 degree position on the arc. A. Johnson name is on the cross piece of the arc. The ivory arc measures from - 5 to plus 95 degrees on a ebony frame which is in excellent condition. It is known that mahogany went out of use in favor of ebony some time after 1750. The octant has a flat brass index arm without a stiffening brace that measures 14 inches from its top to the bottom of the index arm. Tangent screws began replacing finger clamps in the last quarter of the 18th Century. There are two horizon mirrors, each mounted on an adjustable turntable where the base can be rotated by loosening a screw which locks the mirror's position. There is a single set of three shades which may be moved from the upper to lower position. The ivory vernier scale reads from right to left from 20 to 0 arc minutes. There are two peep sights. The adjustable tangent screw followed the use of the index arm clamp which ended around the last quarter if the 1700's. All of these features date the instrument after 1750 and before 1800.