TAP Beret Badge

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French Metro Para Beret Badge | Flying Tiger Surplus

Bought one of these on a whim.  At 11.00 + 3.99 shipping it seemed like a good deal.

The Good.
From the front and from the image online, what you see is what you get.  Mounted on a beret, it would pass as legit at "in your face" range.

The Bad.
Materials and construction are not the same as genuine issue.  Not sure what sort of metal is used, but it's probably the sort used for the sort of novelty pins you can buy at surplus shops and Hot Topic.

The Ugly.
Thumbtack style attachments on the back at the 12 and 6 o'clock position.

Conclusion.
Not a bad find, and for the price is actually better than I would have expected.  I would suggest this for beginners, casual impressions and coplayers.  Serious reenactors and reconstructors should still seek out the real thing.

[lew]

Looks like one of the cast versions that came out in the '70's or '80's.

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Perhaps, though the clutch back (aka "dammit pins") doesn't seem to be as common. All other French beret badges that I have are of the lugs and safety pin variety.

I currently have the following

- Line Infantry (Crossed rifles and grenade in gold finish)
- Legion Cavalry (Legion grenade centered on ring in silver finish)

[can]

Mine are all lug and safety pin type. The only French badge I have that is the clutch type is not a beret badge but a sniper qualification badge, and that might not even be real. Everything else is lug and pin or fixed pin unit badges for fobs and Para school promos. Very interesting subject. Badge collecting is a genre that for some is their only passion. In Leroy Thompson book " Badges and Insignia of the Elite Forces" the French section is 13 pages long. And this dealer on eBay is one of the most knowledgeable people I've ever dealt with. www.ebay.com/itm/373908705051?hash=item570eb20f1b:g:G1YAAOSwM4th9ZyX. 

[craigtx]

Thanks for the link to the dealer! I don't have that reference book in my collection. I need to correct that.

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Feb 11, 2022 3:16:32 GMT -5 can said:

Mine are all lug and safety pin type. The only French badge I have that is the clutch type is not a beret badge but a sniper qualification badge, and that might not even be real. Everything else is lug and pin or fixed pin unit badges for fobs and Para school promos. Very interesting subject. Badge collecting is a genre that for some is their only passion. In Leroy Thompson book " Badges and Insignia of the Elite Forces" the French section is 13 pages long. And this dealer on eBay is one of the most knowledgeable people I've ever dealt with. www.ebay.com/itm/373908705051?hash=item570eb20f1b:g:G1YAAOSwM4th9ZyX. 

I have that book.  Now I need to consult it again.

As beret badges go, the TAP badge is one of my personal favorites.  Interestingly enough, to the general public it's more associated with mercenaries than with paratroops.  I would blame that on coverage of Katanga and the Congo, all the B movies inspired by those events, and a number of magazines and catalogs. 

*cough* Soldier of Fortune *cough* US Cavalry *cough*

I even saw it in a D grade sci fi movie.  Rule of Cool strikes again.

[stalder]

Peut-être; this could be interesting for you.

I bought my badges directly there.

www.legion-boutique.com/traditions-insignes-xsl-354_406_409.html

[can]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    My favorite beret badges are the RPIMa's The one on the beret is the current version. 

[can]

Feb 11, 2022 11:23:00 GMT -5 stalder said:

Peut-être; this could be interesting for you.

I bought my badges directly there.

www.legion-boutique.com/traditions-insignes-xsl-354_406_409.html

Another great site Stalder. Thank you

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Now that is what I would call a site for Legion enthusiasts. 

I've read articles about their vineyard and winery.  It actually makes sense.  Not only does it provide employment (and rehabilitation) for Legion veterans, but it also allows them to show the rest of the French Army what vin de armee should be.  I've also read an article about a Camerone Day event where red wine was provided, and where white wine was available only upon request.

[stalder]

I think this project is really a very good thing for veterans of the Legion.
It gives them the opportunity to age gracefully in an environment they know.