France Interesting artillery patch?

[Mike Dunn]

I must admit that I don't have a clue where this is from. The patch came with some other items from a friend in Germany. Since there is no thread for Iding unknown items, I thought this would be the best place to start. The patch is black with two red border stripes. Looks like it could be a uniform sleeve patch. Just wondering if anyone might know where, when and what it was for. Thanks, Mike

[Mike Dunn]

reverse..

[Guest Rick Research]

It's French, so I'll move it there.

[Mike Dunn]

Thanks Rick, that solves part of the problem. Any idea when used? Mike

[Guest Rick Research]

Nope--that's the entire extent of what I can tell. Help !!!

[Veteran]

Nope--that's the entire extent of what I can tell. Help !!!

Hello Mike

I am not much of an expert with these sleeve badges but I can tell you it is not artillery : they always have a RED background. The grenade (which seem to be tarnished gold bullion) is usually worn by officers or NCOs which are not attached to a numbered unit. They could be HQ personnel, for instance.

The black background (more likely very dark blue) is worn by the infantery, the red lines around (soutaches) adding information as to what kind of employment the unit are (armoured, motorised, etc..). If the background is velvet, then its is for Engineers (or militarised firemen in Paris).

Various types of grenades are used as symbols by various Army specialities.

Sorry I cannot be more specific.

Regards

Veteran

Edited February 1, 2008 by Veteran

[Mike Dunn]

Thanks for your help, I beleive you are correct that the fabric is dark blue and not black. Any hint to the age or are these still in use today. Thanks for all the hlep. Mike

[Chip]

It's post-WWI. 1930s at the earliest.

Chip

[The Saint]

It's a Model 1945 arm-of-service flash for unregimented infantry, as stated by Veteran.