Identifying Reproduction British Commando SSIs

[Tonomachi]

There are so many variations of WW2 era British Commando SSIs.  Instead of posting photos of real ones I thought it would help if I posted photos of some of the more better made (convincing) reproductions of the WW2 era British Commando SSIs.

 

 

[Tonomachi]

Couple of more reproductions.   Supposedly the way to determine if the printed version is a copy is by the lack of the trigger inside of the trigger guard.  

[Otter42]

Is this a repro as well? Thanks Ken 

[Tonomachi]

18 hours ago, Otter42 said:

Is this a repro as well? Thanks Ken 

Yes I'm afraid it is a copy.

[Otter42]

Thank you.

[ParaOps]

I believe the printed badges with the red wash to the reverse are original.

 

Agree that all the rest are reproductions.

 

Paul

[phillock]

Hi Team

 

On 2/19/2023 at 11:42 AM, Otter42 said:

Is this a repro as well? Thanks Ken 

 

Hi Team

 

This is a legit Post war 95th Amphibious Observation Regt(RA) c 1953. Combined Operations Observation Batteries (RA) c 1948-56

 

Below is my set and image of SUEZ era  Malta.

 

I also beleive there are other variations including CO tombstone that were also issued (Army Round, Navy Tombstone) during that time period.

 

https://combinedops.com/POST WW2 COM OPS - SUEZ.htm

 

I agree with Paul (Para Ops) that the printed variant is WWII era with that bleed thru also Calico Printers involved multiple print companies during WWII, hence slight variation.

 

Phill

 

 

 

 

 

[Tonomachi]

I guess I was wrong but the construction just didn't look WW2 and something I would not have purchased as such for my collection.  I believe the British Commandos near the end of the war switched to a design of their own shoulder sleeve patch (pictured below) because too many other non-commando military units were wearing the Combined Operations shoulder patch.  

 

 

 

 

[phillock]

Hi T

 

The Combined Ops is a Royal Navy design formation sign and they wanted to protect it and were reluctant to give it to the Army (as the Army disbanded Cdo wars end and  RN kept the RM Cdo alive ), however because the UK Armed forces still used combined operations post WWII to the mid 50's and the Army still played an important role of observation and direct support thru RA they were granted use.

 

The construction is not WWII for sure but late 40's-50's era.

 

Maybe there are others listed that are post WWII RN issued as well amongst the lot posted , cant speak on those albeit the printed I beleive is WWII era.

 

Phill

 

 

Yes you are  correct on the Army Commando Group late WWII era.

 

Phill