WWII Italian Parachute cloth insignia

[phillock]

Hi Team

 

I have been scouring the internet for confirmation of this style of Insignia.

 

I have had one reply however I need confirmation of this cloth design  WWII and is it for arm , cap , collar?

 

This has been ID in Brag and Turner 1985 Italy WWII with this shape but again requiring confirmation.

 

https://www.themilitariadealers.com/...2#.ZAxLAHbP01I

 

cheers

 

Phill

[Tonomachi]

These were supposedly worn on the left arm a couple of inches above the elbow.  This is listed (#1773) on page 59 of the second Bragg & Turner book titled "Parachute Wings" as a WW2 era piece however according to another reference (Italian Airborne Insignia 1938-Present by Harry Pugh & Vittotio Piotti) this was worn between 1956 through 1963.  It is listed on page 190 under the identification series of 1-W-103 (see photo).  So which reference is correct?  This is just my opinion but if you look at the majority of WW2 era Italian paratrooper insignia they are embroidered upon a medium to dark gray or blue gray material.  I could be wrong but I believe the olive drab material was used post war like your example.

 

 

 

 

[phillock]

Thanks for your input Tonomachi.

 

I could not find anything on this style of use in WWII, the one I have is 42mm compared to the larger one which is 72mm and the backing colour is approriate, which are a differant construction but longer.

 

I agree with you more likely post war, which I will put in my database.

 

I think overtime as more info becomes available and newer publications have better better researched,informed and upto date corretly ID insignia, especially over the last 20 years.

 

Really appreciate your input Tonomachi , I have a small collection of wings mainly modern era 1960's-2000 Brit, Aussie,Kiwi that Im sorting thru.

 

I have one on BBF SAS  tropical Dress bronz that Im looking for confirmation, if you can take a look at that would be appreciated.

 

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92825

 

cheers mate

 

Phill

 

 

[Tonomachi]

My understanding of these brass wings is limited as they were supposedly produced in the 1950s and authorized for tropical wear as well as No. 3 dress.  However very few people if any ever wore it.  There are copies of this wing being sold on places like eBay but your piece looks like one of the original ones that again was rarely worn so some don't consider them actual SAS Wings.  

The mentioned copy I spoke about is pictured below (Photo 1 & 2).  The back is much different from your wing.  I even came across a clutch back version which is probably a total fake (photo 3 & 4).  Now there is a current piece that is anodized and worn by the Australian Naval Clearance Divers as their paratrooper wing (Photo 5).  There are other copies that are being sold on eBay (Photo 6 - 9).  

[phillock]

Thanks Tonomachi

 

I rarely collect British metal insignia due to the amount of fakes and restrikes over the years and dont place much on the one I have.

 

I noticed no one commented on mine which means they are undescided always a bad omen!!!

 

cheers again for your input.

 

Phill

[Kia kaha]

These wings were worn on number 3 dress the white tropical dress tunic worn in Hong Kong, Malaysia and possibly the Middle East/Near by ex S.A.S. Pers within the British Army. As the S.A.S. Regiment was not posted on strength to these areas at the time. usually a two year  permanent posting. The Regiment didn’t get issued this uniform so serving troopers on deployments would only have the cloth wing, if worn.
these brass or white metal skill at arms badges were designed to be removable from the uniform to be polished, and so the uniform could be laundered. Worn in the late 60s and 70s. This style of dress uniform was discontinued in the mid 70s? And most of these badges were sold through disposal stores. 

[phillock]

Thanks mate

 

My apologies I will start a new thread on this as I wasnt expecting answers on the Italy patch.

 

I will link this thread

cheers 

 

Phill