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18/01/2015 19:56:39
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FivePoint
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Joined: 18/01/2015 19:10:06
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Location: Virginia Beach, VA
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Recently acquired this French Commando Marine Hat Badge. I am trying to establish the approximate age and value for this item. Any information or assistance is greatly appreciated.
On the backside of the badge it is marked as follows: "ARTHUS BERTRANO PARIS 1547" in the rear lower left side it is marked: "M. CHAUVET 1943"
In the upper left side slightly below the hanger is the number 1 (one) stamped into the piece.
I have attached two pictures to show the actual badge.
Thank you for your time.
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French Commando Bck.jpg |
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Badge rear side |
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310 Kbytes
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1239 time(s) |
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French Commando Ft.jpg |
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Badge front side |
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308 Kbytes
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 18/01/2015 19:58:07
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18/01/2015 20:52:57
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NIC
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Joined: 10/04/2007 22:56:27
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Location: Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire
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Maurice Chauvet was the commando who designed the French Commandos' cap badge.
Each of the original cap badges produced were given serial numbers - No1 going to Commandant Philip Kieffer, however, it would seem that he may have lost this badge as he also is recorded as having Nos 341 & 354...
But, before you get too excited, your badge is a slightly different design and was produced much later...
Please see the photo attached for comparison
ARTHUS BERTRANO, of PARIS made 400 badges in 1974 (200 numbered & 200 un-numbered) it is possible that your badge may be one of these - but I am no expert on these things so please don't get your hopes up.
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P Kieffer's cap badge, Badge No 1.jpg |
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#1 - P Kieffer's cap badge |
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160 Kbytes
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1994 time(s) |
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Nick Collins,
Commando Association Historical Archivist & Photographer.
Proud son of Cpl Mick Collins, 5 Troop, No5 Cdo
"Truly we may say of them, when shall their glory fade?"
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18/01/2015 21:16:57
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FivePoint
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Joined: 18/01/2015 19:10:06
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Location: Virginia Beach, VA
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Thank you so much. The year 1974 (give or take a year or so) would fit. This badge was owned by a Gentleman who is in his 80's now. He is a former US Navy UDT/Seal who was stationed in our area.
Again, thank you for the information you have provided.
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20/01/2015 13:35:25
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ptitmataf
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Joined: 28/07/2014 19:31:28
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Hello
Your badge is post WW2.
The main difference between a WW2 and a Post WW2 badge is the inscription on the banner
For a WW2 badge it's "1er Bllon F.M.COMMANDO"
For a post WW2/ actual badge it's "COMMANDOS MARINE"
The badges of the Second World War were numbered from 1 to 400
http://commandokieffer.canalblog.com/archives/2008/04/16/11241860.html
sorry for my english
regards
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20/01/2015 14:06:09
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FivePoint
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Joined: 18/01/2015 19:10:06
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Location: Virginia Beach, VA
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Thank you so much for the additional information.
In summary:
Hat Badge is: Post WW2
Manufactured by: Arthus Bertrano Co of Paris France
Originally Designed by: Mr. Maurice Chauvet Commando
Two additional questions, if I may:
What could the numbers 1547 & 1 that are stamped into the badge represent?
Could the 1547 be a sequential number of badges produced by the Bertrano Co.? And the No. 1 be the issue number of that particular batch when received by a unit?
Any idea of current value?
I sincerely appreciate your patience and time with my questions Thank You.
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20/01/2015 14:42:27
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ptitmataf
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Joined: 28/07/2014 19:31:28
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each French navy commando receives a badge number upon the success of its commando basic training. 1547 is the number of a commando.
the number 1 ... I don't now
to estimate the price: to 100 and 250 euros depending on the state of wear and the number
for example:
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/COMMANDO-MARINE-Insigne-de-Beret-N-te-Fab-Arthus-Bertrand-Paris-/351260031646?pt=FR_JG_Collections_Militaria_Medailles&hash=item51c8baba9e
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/INSIGNE-DE-BERET-COMMANDO-MARINE-matricule-1925-FIN-INDOCHINE-INDO-ALGERIE-/351225281688?pt=FR_JG_Collections_Militaria_Medailles&hash=item51c6a87c98
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 20/01/2015 14:42:54
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20/01/2015 15:30:38
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FivePoint
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Location: Virginia Beach, VA
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I sincerely appreciate your time and information, ptitmataf.
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20/01/2015 17:03:38
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ptitmataf
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you're welcome
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29/01/2018 19:50:25
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Fred
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Joined: 29/01/2018 19:40:43
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I agree with ptitmataf, your cap badge is for my opinion between 1950/1960 the french commando who landed on the 6th june 1944 was marked: 1er Billon FM COMMANDO, the one we can see marked 1 is from the the familly of Philippe Kieffer but not the original, I called recently his daughter Dominique and she tell me the original n°1 was losted in Normandy during the d day
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