[saxandpipes]

Hello all, (this is my first post)

my question is related to blazer badges.

I had an unfortunate run in with some ice on my bike (in Holland) and scraped a fair chunk out of the front left hand pocket of my favourite (and not very old, I might add) navy over-coat. Looking on ebay for a clan badge (Gunn) to cover the hole, I came across a blazer badge for the Black Watch (which I like very much) and I was wondering what the etiquette was for the wearing of badges for regiments to which one doesn't belong- is it just disrespectful? (it is a nice coat, and it would look good)

I understand that the Black Watch's tartan is considered universal, and may be worn by anyone who wishes, but I would really like to know what the story is with the badges?

I hope someone can help,

Thanks,

Michael

[davidlpope]

I will not wear insignia from a military unit that I did not serve in. To me it seems disrespectful and false.

Cordially,

David

[KiltedChief]

Try this It is at www.boldblades.com/

[Joseph McLaren]

If you're worried that it might not be the 'done' thing, then you'll always be conscious about it and whether someone will pick you up on it. Perhaps you could find a blazer badge for your own family crest? Or your old school/college etc? Or perhaps chat to a tailor about mending the hole?

[saxandpipes]

Thankyou for your comments, gentlemen.

I will go with the Gunn badge (I found it away from ebay). The Black Watch badge would make the whole coat less useful (too formal), anyway, I was just curious about what the conventions were- and what they might otherwise be purchased for as there are alot of various regimental badges for sale- I guess that there are people who did serve and later on decide that they would like to have such a keepsake.


Thanks again,

Cheers,

Michael

[Joseph McLaren]

Glad to help Michael, and welcome to Xmarks!

[cajunscot]

Originally Posted by saxandpipes

Hello all, (this is my first post)

my question is related to blazer badges.

I had an unfortunate run in with some ice on my bike (in Holland) and scraped a fair chunk out of the front left hand pocket of my favourite (and not very old, I might add) navy over-coat. Looking on ebay for a clan badge (Gunn) to cover the hole, I came across a blazer badge for the Black Watch (which I like very much) and I was wondering what the etiquette was for the wearing of badges for regiments to which one doesn't belong- is it just disrespectful? (it is a nice coat, and it would look good)

I understand that the Black Watch's tartan is considered universal, and may be worn by anyone who wishes, but I would really like to know what the story is with the badges?

I hope someone can help,

Thanks,

Michael

I have a bullion Clan Gunn blazer badge that I would part with. Please contact me via private message.

Generally, it's bad form to wear a regimental badge if you did not serve. Mind you, there are several pipe bands in the Netherlands that are named for Scottish & Canadian regiments that liberated the Netherlands during WWII.

Todd

[cajunscot]

Originally Posted by KiltedChief

Try this It is at www.boldblades.com/

Lyn is an officer in the Clan Gunn Society, btw.

T.

[Chas]

Hi Michael,

Welcome to XMarks.

As a general rule of thumb a blazer badge says one of two things, either -

"This is what I belong to."

or

"This is what I used to belong to."

It does not say "This is what I support". That is what lapel pins are for.

During Michael Jackson's last trial, he attended court wearing jackets which had various UK Regimental Badges. There was more than a little consternation and outrage in the UK. So much so that there was as much reporting as to what Major Suchandsuch had to say on the matter as there was trial content.

Regards

Chas

[Jerry]

Welcome to Xmarks. As too why you see a lot of regimental badges for sale, many people collect them, much like others collect stamps.