Cap Badges: Button shank backs

**triolamj** · 15th February 09, 02:03 AM

I have a selection of cap badges that I picked up during a test purchase some years ago. Instead of having pin clasps at the back they had loops on either side like the shank of a blazer button. I recently ran across a picture of a cap badge with what looked like cotter pins or bobby pins run through the loops. Does anyone know how this type of fastening works? If I can figure that out then I can figure out how to sell them or more likely give them away. Respond at your leisure.

**Bugbear** · 15th February 09, 02:06 AM

Puffer explained one time that the shanks go through holes in the bonnet and the cotter pins hold the badge from inside the bonnet. It's much like removable buttons on a jacket.

Best bet is to ask Puffer.

**Jock Scot** · 15th February 09, 02:13 AM

Originally Posted by Ted Crocker

Puffer explained one time that the shanks go through holes in the bonnet and the cotter pins hold the badge from inside the bonnet. It's much like removable buttons on a jacket.

Best bet is to ask Puffer.

You have got it Ted bang on the nail.That type of fastening is/was very common with the British army uniform badges.

**Chas** · 15th February 09, 08:25 AM

Hi triolamj,

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

You have got it Ted bang on the nail.That type of fastening is/was very common with the British army uniform badges.

The RAF, RAAF, RNZAF and I believe the SAAF have that type of fitting since 1918.

Regards

Chas

**Jock Scot** · 15th February 09, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

Hi triolamj,

The RAF, RAAF, RNZAF and I believe the SAAF have that type of fitting since 1918.

Regards

Chas

Oh how remiss of me to forget the RAF,etc., I do apologize. Oh and the Royal Marines too, I have just been informed!

**Chas** · 15th February 09, 08:42 AM

I think we can agree, Jock, that ALL British Military capbadges used this type of fitting since Pontius was a Pilot.

Regards

Chas

**Rollo** · 15th February 09, 04:50 AM

[QUOTE=Ted Crocker;672387]Puffer explained one time that the shanks go through holes in the bonnet and the cotter pins hold the badge from inside the bonnet. It's much like removable buttons on a jacket.

My explanation is the same.

**puffer** · 16th February 09, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Ted Crocker

Puffer explained one time that the shanks go through holes in the bonnet and the cotter pins hold the badge from inside the bonnet. It's much like removable buttons on a jacket.

Best bet is to ask Puffer.

OK, here goes
1. The "old" style DoA Cap Badges all use the Loop/cotter Key ( Some of the "new ones use a "slider" = for the Doa "berets & Glengarrys
Here is a picture showing some (see below it for explanation)

2. The top = some of the fasteners I use. (left to right - Safety pin, Kilt Pin, Cotter Keys

3. Cap Badges NOTE THE DIFFERENT SPACING, DIRECTION OF THE PINS & COMBINATIONS Left to right 2 horizontal (different spacing),Vertical,, Horizontal/vertical

4. Lower group are some sporran Badges.

5.Problems "mounting" on Cap the conventional way
A. Holes MUST BE MADE IN CAP
B. Once Holes are made you are "limited to those "Badges" that "conform", & as you can see ???

6. Some suggestions on how to overcome the above.

A. I make a backing In the first picture is on made of leather?/fur ( other materials also work but MUST be thick enough to compensate for the "shank" ( at least 1/8" iMHO) Rosettes also work GREAT !!

I then run a cotter key through the loops (to secure it to the "backing & provide a connection for the "pin" I use on the inside (in this example akilt pin)

B. Make a "Bow tie" (sorry I do not remember the correct terminology) & sew it to the cap (2nd picture top)

C. If the cap is "soft & the loop/pins are short, then as in pic #2 right & pic #3 bottom. use pins from the inside

D. Remove & Replace with the "fastener of your choice.

I hope this helps.

????????

Puffer

**macwilkin** · 16th February 09, 06:55 PM

Hey, wow -- a "crucified moose" of the (51st) Highland Brigade!

The Argylls refused to wear those things in Aden back in the 60's:

http://www.britains-smallwars.com/Aden/700.htm

Sorry...back on topic now!

T.

**puffer** · 16th February 09, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Hey, wow -- a "crucified moose" of the (51st) Highland Brigade!

The Argylls refused to wear those things in Aden back in the 60's:

http://www.britains-smallwars.com/Aden/700.htm

Sorry...back on topic now!

T.

YEP !

?????? was it because of the "crest' or the "TRIANGULAR" form off mounting ( an ABORTION DREAMED UP BY, IMHO, A "DESK JOCKEY" (this is not the term I want to use, but being a family friendly forum ?),

Puffer