Is it Genuine?

Just bought this cap badge on eBay.

As you can see ( http://www.156squadron.com/capbadge.html ) it has what appears to be a Pathfinder Badge attached.

But is it genuine?

Is there any way of identifying a genuine from a fake?

The Cap badge itself is of high quality and the pathfinder badge appears to be copper based with gold paint.

Final question, what is the significance (if any) of the dual leaves under the badge, is this a rank symbol, if so what ?
Thanks

Robin Riley www.156Squadron.com

 

I'm not altogether sure that is a 'genuine' WWII PFF badge, Robin. Certainly, this is a real one...




Note the difference to the top edge of the wings. However, post-war copies usually do not have such fine detailing of the feathers, which yours has.

I've put 'genuine' in inverted commas because the subject of PFF badges is quite thorny. It was an 'unofficial' award and certainly most were manufactured by Gaunt's in London. However, there is no mark on the actual badge and I believe that other manufacturers also produced them. So unless you're fortunate enough to find one on its original card backing it's virtually impossible to be certain....

As to the rest of your most interesting badge, I haven't a clue and would like to know the answer myself !

 

Thanks for your input Martin, and the Photo for comparison!

You are certainly getting your money's worth out of the new toy! (Liked the Mossie pics).

I had my doubts about originality, but it is an attractive item and at 5 quid I could not risk the temptation.

According to my calculations you now have several of these badges? Did not one come with the famous "scarf"

I have had an enquiry from a collector for a photo of a genuine badge, is it OK if I send him yours?

Regards

Robin

 

No problem, Robin - please feel free to use my pic....

I actually have two - as you said, one came with the scarf and I assume it's genuine ; but have no proof. The one on the original card I'm sure is the real thing. I also have a cheap current copy which looks OK until you put it under a magnifying glass - the edges and detail aren't quite as 'sharp'.....

 

The badge shown at the above URL and much larger at http://www.156squadron.com/CapBadge.jpg is a post-1953 RAF cap badge for officers below air rank, which is a pretty common item.

The style of crown indicates that it was produced during the reign of HM Queen Elizabeth II. See http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=170090072396 for someone selling the post-1953 and pre-1953 styles of cap badges.

It looks genuine, but if it was sold as a Pathfinder badge of some sort, then it has been wrongly described. The eagle (or albatross) features in many RAF badges.

See http://www.gc-database.co.uk/recipients/GraveleyRC.htm for a photo of the version worn in WW2, and http://www.airtrainingcorps.info/1242/images-staff/ploffbooth.jpg for your version worn by a present-day female Air Training Corps officer.

Forrest

 

Forrest

Thanks for the comprehensive reply.

The badge was not described as Pathfinder on eBay, it just looked to me that it might have been.

Oh well back to the search.

Regards


Robin www.156Squadron.com

 

Thanks for the very good reply, Forrest. Should have spotted that Crown...doh !

 

Hi Robin,

The only real Pathfinder Badge is one which has a letter or certificate signed by AVM Don Bennett with it. If you would like to see badges, letters or certificates please let me know. I'm the curator of the RAF Wyton Path Finder Force Museum and therefore have access to quite a few of them.

 

Shack,

You guys seem to have hidden your light under a bushell?

Did not even know that such an museum existed!

Looks VERY interesting.

http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbramptonwytonhenlow/stationfacilities/pathfinder.cfm

I am currently doing a major upgrade (not yet published) on Pathfinder casualties covering all Squadrons in Group 8, both aircraft and personnel, which may be of interest to you. I will let you know when it is is published.

Regards

Robin www.156Squadron.com

 

Thanks for posting the link, Robin - I'd never heard of it, either !

 

The site looks very interesting, thanx Robin!

 

The museum has been on the go for ten years now!! Although the past year has seen it going from strength to strength.

I put the website together six months ago, initially for our intranet site, and only the past month or so has it been put to the internet, I would be gratefull of any comments or things I may have missed.

I have access to most Squadron F540's and have a copy of 156 Sqn's on display in the museum at the moment. Funny to see that they are all marked 'SECRET' and with the testament of time are now open for a good read.

 

I feel a WWII Forums Coach Trip may be on the cards.....

 

You'll be more than welcome. All I'll need is details of who's coming and vehicle registration. This is needed as the museum is 'inside the wire' a swe say.

 

OK lets suggest some dates.

Personally, I am not available any week days. ....

Some of us have to work. !!!!

Any chance of the morning of the 30th June, I need to be near Cambridge that day.

Hope I don't need a Security Clearance?
I am an ALIEN after all. (Even tho I am currently working for the NEW Ministry of Justice)

Regards


Robin www.156Squadron.com

 

It would have to be after 10 am as I need to get here and that takes an hour. Evenings are also a possibility as I'm in there tonight from 7:30 with 20 guests!!! Just let me know

 

Shack

Thanks very much for the offer.

Whatever time is convenient to you would be fine with me. Hope I am not intruding on your time off ?

I will be driving up from London and have an appointment early in the evening south of Cambridge, so again, whatever time fits for you would be fine with me.

Would be more than happy to fund you a lunch in a nearby pub of your choice, either before or after the visit.

What about you Martin? Can you attend? Or for that matter is anyone else interested?

Regards


Robin www.156Squadron.com

 

Robin, not a problem. If you get together with who wants to come along, give me their details and I'll sort that out at this end and I'll be here.

 

Shack

Martin has indicated that can attend and I may have another person.

What details do you need. Is the time set at 10.00am.

Regards

Robin

 

About time we had a WWII Forums Official Visit !