Arab army headgear from the Arab / Israeli wars

[Tinhat]

Was not sure where to post this stuff so thought I would call it a ‘collection’.

I’m aiming to be specific in what I pick up, all of these have been bought either in Israel or from Israel so are bring backs or trophies.

I’ve identified as best I can but if anyone has input I’m happy to receive it.

Syrian infantry berets

Neither of them marked inside part from the size in both metric and imperial.









Syrian cap, this is 1960’s I believe, the holes in the front indicate it would have had the small badge shown on the second beret fitted.

[Tinhat]

Jordanian sedara, not 100% sure about this. The image of King Hussien below has a braided version showing the front panel, mine does not have the panel. The cap I believe to be of the correct age and the badge an original.











Jordanian Airborne / Special forces beret, stamped JAA inside I’m told is for Jordanian Arab Army as it was called after 1956





Jordanian General Service with the same JAA stamp

[Tinhat]

I thought I would add a few more, I do admire everybody's restraint, and appreciate it, because it keeps prices reasonable.

Egyptian Airborne / Special Forces beret, the badge itself came into use in the early 80s, the beret is older, the stamp isn’t clear but the only numbers that resemble something readable is 1966. The badge is sewn on because the beret has deteriorated where earlier badges have been fitted.










Egyptian – senior staff office cap, 1970s style bullion badge










Egyptian beret, black private purchase infantry beret with senior offices badge. This type of badge was used from 1952, after the revolution, to 1958 when the United Arab Republic was formed. As it came from Israel puts is nicely as a Sinai campaign souvenir









Steve

[Tinhat]

I'll keep plugging away and my latest addition. Syrian cap used through the 60s and 70s, this is the summer version, the winter one is in post #1.









Steve

[JLHORAK]

Nice Display !

My comments are based on spending a year in Lebanon 83/84, and a two week visit to Syria in 2001. Your "authentic" berets, caps, and cap badges will range from well made and detailed 1st world grade to some very crudely sewn & manufactured head gear and poorly cast metal / plated metal - all of which you have shown IMO would judge are real. During my trip to rural Syria (with wife's family), our "minder" was a recently retired Syrian Arab Army Brigadier General who escorted us everywhere. He found out I was a collector and gave me several badges that were hand cast and had the fastening points crudely soldered. I was grateful for gift, however politely asked how the insignia was manufactured and distributed in the SAA. He remarked that it was a small cottage industry in the remote areas and was acceptable for use. Most Syrian soldiers at that time were very poorly paid conscripts. Almost all of the SAA uniforms, field equipment, vehicles, and weapons looked well used and poorly maintained (rural Latakia Province).

However, I did see the Lebanese Army on the same trip. All with US armory refurbished and depot overhauled equipment. Lebanese utility uniforms at that time were woodland camo with well made French and local insignia. At a quick look they were equipped as well as a US National Guard unit.

And for those who served and know - Happy 245th Birthday!

Semper Fi,

Jim

[reneblacky]

Certainly nice to see Thanks for showing!

[Tinhat]

Thanks for the info Jim, I have a lot of badges and insignia and am always surprised at the variation in methods of manufacture and quality. Most of the stuff shown here I bought in Israel or from Israeli sellers so would have all been bring back items and I generally don't have concerns about originality. it started as a side show to the other parts of my collection but now I find myself actively looking for it.

I also have a few helmets here ARAB ARMY helmets Arab Israeli wars, 1967 - 1982

Steve.

[Tinhat]

A few more to add to this thread, there is really no reference place that I can find so I learn as I find things.

This is another summer or lightweight version with the larger NCO/officers badge – size is important for definite in the Egyptian (UAR) army and from what I can find out also in Syria.





The cap is different in that it actually has a neck flap, whereas the one shown earlier has a false one.

Steve

[Tinhat]

These two are different versions of woolen type, one has the full neck flap.





This one is a simpler version of the earlier two with the smaller lower rank badge.





Three different types side by side, none of them are dated but I assume the simpler models are later.



Some pictorial evidence from video clips taken in 1966.

[Tinhat]

Egyptian staff office cap, this is from the 1980s, so doesn’t fit the title but serves as a reference for the change in badge from the 1970s.





Steve