Cap Badges: Button shank backs

**macwilkin** · 15th February 09, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

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

Regards

Chas

...and his bodyguard was the Royal Scots! :mrgreen:

Todd

**Jock Scot** · 15th February 09, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

...and his bodyguard was the Royal Scots! :mrgreen:

Todd

Indeed they were.

**sirdaniel1975** · 15th February 09, 11:01 AM

In my collection, I have a couple of badges that fasten this way. If for some reason the pin is missing, one can fasten a badge like this to a bonnet either by stitching it to the cap or fashioning a new pin.

**Bugbear** · 15th February 09, 11:10 AM

I have used a bent safetypin to hold the loop shank buttons on my jackets so the buttons can be removed and changed easily. It is not great for buttons because the pin can fold the fabric a little, and also show. It might work out for a cap badge though...

I'm trying to come up with a different design of safetypin for the buttons that does not require the tiny buttonhole, and also does not cause the fabric to fold.

I've also heard of split rings rather than cotter pins being used with that kind of shank on removable buttons.

**scotchmaster** · 15th February 09, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by Chas

The Navy - ah yes. What is they say? That trueism? I remember - "Old sailors never die - they only smell that way"

Regards

Chas

I thought it was "Old sailors never die, they just get a little Dinghy!"

**Chas** · 15th February 09, 01:27 PM

That's even better than mine!!!

Regards

Chas

**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.

**Bugbear** · 16th February 09, 07:06 PM

Thanks, Puffer. I don't like the idea of putting holes in fabric for things like this, and I would think the hole would probably need to be stitched to keep it from un raveling.

I have been looking into using a thin wire, like an high E guitar string, that is bent into a "U" shape. The wire should be thin enough to pass through the fabric, I'm thinking of buttons on a jacket, without harm to the fabric.

The wire is then crimped together on the inside. You would have to use new wire with each change of item, but it would not require any holes. I'm guessing that thicker wire could be used on a bonnet, but the ends of the wire need to not be jagged in any way to go through the fabric well.

**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