Here’s a new addition to the “beret” shelf . . . although technically a General Service cap and not a beret.
(click on photos to magnify in new window)
The text in the faded maker stamp remains just barely discernable: J. Collett Ltd. London, size 7 1/8 and date 1945. There’s also traces of the British War Department stamp off to the side.
The corporal rank is marked using two brass bars with red cloth backing.
Eagle badge is one of the cast versions produced in the near east.
Unfortunately, the unit badge (mounted the prescribed 5cm to the left of the eagle) was missing from this cap when obtained. A picture of the inside clearly shows the evidence of a badge fastener but the camera doesn't to catch the ‘shadow’ on the exterior, or the overall wear on the cap for that matter which didn't translate in the digital photo. There are discernable traces of the badge that resided there, but insufficient to get a positive ID on which one it was:
Member Piwo's collection contains this fine original example from the 15th Wilenski Rifles Battalion which served as suitable inspiration:
Regards,
Tony
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