Red Beret

[HistoryMan]

Hello Guys

My current Boss in work knows about my interest in Military History and Militaria

He brought this in to show me today

It was given to his Grandad by a Polish next door neighbour many years ago, also a small Polish Para badge which I believe is a Post-War Veterans badge perhaps

Any input and opinions on the items would be very much appreciated !!!

All the best
Martin

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Martin, as I mentioned on Twitter, the problem with the beret is the script runs the wrong way and the diamond shaped stitching is elongated.

Is there the normal leather reinforcing tab under the air vent eyelets and and WD inspection marks or any loose thread stitching around the crown inside the lining?

Cheers, Ade.

[Grimebox]

As an aside to the points that Ade has mentioned (which I agree with), I would also add that the condition of the stamp does not match the condition of the exterior of the beret.
Not the best picture I’m afraid (it’s packed away at the moment) but here’s mine for comparison.

[Kohima]

The whole of the exterior appears uniformly faded, perhaps washed out, rather than sun-bleached, with no bold colour remaining in the naturally covered areas..

[HistoryMan]

Hi Ade, Thanks for the response

yes thought i would post on here for posterity as it were !

here are a few more pictures

Many thanks
Martin

[HistoryMan]

Guys, post war then with spurious marking ?

- - ------- - -

Cant see any WD marking or loose stitching ?

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Martin, yes.

Wartime red berets did not have that small protective flap inside where the cap badge fits.

Cheers, Ade.

[HistoryMan]

Thanks Ade

[Jerry B]

certainly the ink stamp is spurious, which makes the rest of it suspicious.

[Jerry B]

this thread by Steve Britten is worth a look

Wwii british berets traits and construction