509thPIB Posted November 7, 2018 Share #1 Posted November 7, 2018 Selous Scouts wings have been heavily faked. Are these original or fake? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonomachi Posted November 7, 2018 Share #2 Posted November 7, 2018 I'm not an expert but it sure does look good. The size of the numbers, spacing, font and location of the stamping all match original examples. There were 1500 of these badges produced by Reutler in Salisbury, Rhodesia. Of the 1500 only 700 were serial numbered. Of the 700 a little over 587 were issued. In my reference I have a list of who received what based on these serial numbers up to 461. Based on this reference your wing was issued to Trooper S. Kona. There was supposedly two grades of qualification which was distinguished by the color of the wool background material. Brownish wool like your piece is considered Class I while the green wool backing is considered Class II. Class I individuals were original volunteers of the Selous Scouts prior to the introduction of their selection course and graduates of their selection course. Class II was for members who had yet to go through their selection course but participated in an operation and shown exceptional qualities of things like courage, determination, initiative, leadership, etc. My understanding is that the wool like backing material were cut from remnants of no longer usable Selous Scout berets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Scott Posted November 7, 2018 Share #3 Posted November 7, 2018 Is it possible to get a shot of the front there are a lot of people that have never seen Selous Scout wing.Scotty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
509thPIB Posted November 8, 2018 Author Share #4 Posted November 8, 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonomachi Posted November 8, 2018 Share #5 Posted November 8, 2018 Just noticed that this is up for bid on eBay (see link). However even if original way too expensive in my opinion. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rhodesian-Selous-Scout-Paratrooper-Wings-ISSUED-AND-AUTHENTIC-0383-NOT-REPRO/223106574813?hash=item33f23029dd:g:OTUAAOSwZOBbdvAB:rk:1:pf:0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
509thPIB Posted November 8, 2018 Author Share #6 Posted November 8, 2018 Just noticed that this is up for bid on eBay (see link). However even if original way too expensive in my opinion. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rhodesian-Selous-Scout-Paratrooper-Wings-ISSUED-AND-AUTHENTIC-0383-NOT-REPRO/223106574813?hash=item33f23029dd:g:OTUAAOSwZOBbdvAB:rk:1:pf:0 Just noticed that this is up for bid on eBay (see link). However even if original way too expensive in my opinion. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rhodesian-Selous-Scout-Paratrooper-Wings-ISSUED-AND-AUTHENTIC-0383-NOT-REPRO/223106574813?hash=item33f23029dd:g:OTUAAOSwZOBbdvAB:rk:1:pf:0 Agreed, way to expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony v Posted November 8, 2018 Share #7 Posted November 8, 2018 Great looking wing! I for one never seen one, thank you Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Scott Posted November 8, 2018 Share #8 Posted November 8, 2018 509thPIB Thanks for the front view of the wing.I have never seen a real one that is one great looking wing though.Scotty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Jerry Posted November 21, 2018 Share #9 Posted November 21, 2018 If you ever get a chance to read some of the exploits of these guys, they were hardcore bat-crap crazy.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kadet Posted December 1, 2018 Share #10 Posted December 1, 2018 I think the wing is original and extremely rare given the award numbers. The Selous Scouts have a following of collectors that are just as aggressive as the men who served in the unit! I've always wanted one of these wings that is named and awarded but have never found one available. Had I seen this auction I would have been a bidder. I don't think the price is out of line...but that is just me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Queen Posted December 29, 2018 Share #11 Posted December 29, 2018 For the money, I would rather have this one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/RHODESIAN-NAMED-SELOUS-SCOUTS-VETERANS-COLLECTION/223300234129?hash=item33fdbb2b91 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintageproductions Posted December 29, 2018 Share #12 Posted December 29, 2018 For the money, I would rather have this one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/RHODESIAN-NAMED-SELOUS-SCOUTS-VETERANS-COLLECTION/223300234129?hash=item33fdbb2b91 That is a killer group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintageproductions Posted December 29, 2018 Share #13 Posted December 29, 2018 For future reference: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Queen Posted December 29, 2018 Share #14 Posted December 29, 2018 Good idea. A couple more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Queen Posted December 29, 2018 Share #15 Posted December 29, 2018 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
509thPIB Posted December 29, 2018 Author Share #16 Posted December 29, 2018 Original Selous Scouts wings have gotten pricey in recent years given the limited market for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kadet Posted January 11, 2019 Share #17 Posted January 11, 2019 For the money, I would rather have this one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/RHODESIAN-NAMED-SELOUS-SCOUTS-VETERANS-COLLECTION/223300234129?hash=item33fdbb2b91 This group ended unsold at the original bid price. I was able to contact the seller to negotiate a lower price and now own it. The pictures don't do it justice. I will post some better ones when I get a moment.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
williamsmilitaryrelics Posted February 9, 2019 Share #18 Posted February 9, 2019 Wow, lucky you, that's an awesome grouping ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunslinger Posted August 22, 2020 Share #19 Posted August 22, 2020 Here are some better images for those who haven't handled or seen these wings before. All Rhodesian insignia are reproduced and there is certain aspects Originals have that one must be familiar with to acquire a Legit piece. CDub Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kia kaha Posted October 9, 2020 Share #20 Posted October 9, 2020 Here’s one I’ve still got had two once an issued one once but sold it in London to buy food. Kept the backing for some reason so it’s now behind wing 614. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kia kaha Posted October 9, 2020 Share #21 Posted October 9, 2020 Cloth wing proberly never worn, taken from Selous Scout H.Q. by an Officer in the last days. Then sold in the U.S. There are two types one has zig zag stitching around edge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt127 Posted July 6, 2021 Share #22 Posted July 6, 2021 My meager collection of Selous scouts stuff. The sterling necklace, though not issued, I believe to be period correct. The wings appear to be genuine. But, very high number. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt127 Posted July 6, 2021 Share #23 Posted July 6, 2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt127 Posted July 6, 2021 Share #24 Posted July 6, 2021 A friend gave me this set of camo. He told me it was Rhodesian. I would appreciate anyone’s input. If they are correct, I will leave the photo in the thread for reference. If not, I will delete to not clutter the thread. Marked “Paramount”. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kia kaha Posted July 6, 2021 Share #25 Posted July 6, 2021 Hey Sgt camo is correct, nice heavy weight shirt, badges are good to wings are from the official unit batch but not issued. cheers Tony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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