17th Cavalry Beret 1st Squadron?

[tony75]

Hello
What are your thoughts on this beret?
What era?
it has a Italian tag inside.
Thank you for your time and help
Tony

[Phill Lockett]

Hi Tony

I can' t give you a confirmed answer but although I believe the flash is original US made 1-17 , you can see the outline of a DUI which looks more like 3rd Cav regiment.

Also you could probably do a search on any of the Cav units that were located in Italy mainly stationed Vicenza Italy re the Basque Italy label.

Also on US Army beret use 1960's onwards as units were wearing berets unofficially from the 60's into the 70's for local use only , in many different colours and this was then discouraged by the powers that be and were eliminated until the 90's

3rd and 17th Cav for comparison.

Attachment 1125668Attachment 1125669

Phill

[tony75]

Hello Phill
Thank you so much for that information.
Very helpful
Thanks again
Tony

[Phill Lockett]

Tony

I forgot to add, 3rd ACR DUI should not be on there, so that puts a question mark , however during the 60's and 70's there was a lot of movement by units and personnel so that throws another spanner in the works.

Looking at it, at face value, it could be a put together/fake, but these odd ball items could also have a story to tell!


Phill

[Phill Lockett]

Hi Tony

re below from another forum on Berets.

US Army berets - blue, black, green, maroon, tan... - UNIFORMS - U.S. Militaria Forum

I would say yours is an official unauthorized used Beret from the 70's.

Good pick up.

Phill

[tony75]

Hi Phill

Thanks again for the help and information.
Reading about these berets can be confusing.
Thanks again
Tony

[37thguy]

I know I'm late to the party here but I can almost gaurantee your beret is a Bancroft. Would have had a yellow gold lining. Seems Bancroft had these made in several different countries, including France and Italy. Heres one I have that was made in France. Im sure I have Italy along with at least one other country, but will have to do some digging around.