Trying to date this French Commando Marine hat badge

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 18/01/2015 19:58:07

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 20/01/2015 14:42:54

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

I sincerely appreciate your time and information, ptitmataf.

you're welcome

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