merchant navy shipping line cap badge identification

[David Lyne]

good evening, I wonder if anyone can identify the cap badge shown in the photo. The animal appears to be a Wyvern or winged lion. Any thoughts?

many thanks, dave

[Ivan Cloherty]

Could be Paddy Hendersons who used to serve the Far east/Malaysia/Burma as it has shades of the Burmese Lion

[David Williams]

It does not appear to be a British company,the
crown at the top is very different to British
Merchant Navy crowns.
Dave Williams

[john walker]

Could that be Iranian or even Indian asboth countries use a similar symbol?

[cappy]

##is it the anglo iranian oil company....cappy

[j.sabourn]

Nearly every British Company had their own cap badge, even Runcimans. Which consisted of the usual gold tufts of grass or whatever they are called, and a white pennant with a big blue R in the middle. Don't know whatever happened to it, but was part of the list that had to get prior to joining their ships. 2 white boiler suits was also on the list which I later flogged to an engineer. Even had their own brass buttons on their reefer jackets. Most people seeing officers on passenger vessels assume they are wearing MN uniform they are not , they are wearing company livery. MN uniform is stipulated either in the Merchant shipping acts or elsewhere. Even the cap badge size is stipulated and the Bombay Bashers were at one time illegal, not that anyone took any notice. JS

[David Lyne]

many thanks gentlemen for your contributions - it sounds like an interesting subject. And the fact that Merchant Navy and 'shipping company' uniforms & badges are not one and the same has added to my education no end, thank you.

Dave

[Brian Charles Williams]

Did you get your required gear from Gardeners at Gardeners corner Aldgate ? should be GARDINER`S .
Brian W.

[j.sabourn]

#8 If post is a question to me at the time I am talking about is in the 50's and at that time were plenty of Naval Outfitters in the Tyne area. In 1990 however when summoned to the Palace with others I was in a quandary on what to wear, would have looked ridiculous in a penguin suit with the long tails, so decided to go in MN uniform. I had never worn MN uniform for a lot of years as always wore what the shipowner provided be it orange boilersuit or whatever. However what I had hanging in the wardrobe was about 5 sizes too small. I managed to get a ready made one from Woods of North shields which must have been the last of their stock before disappearing into space the same as the shipowner. However they had no caps and I couldn't find mine, must have disappeared over the side at one time and never replaced. So had to send down to Gardiners of Aldgate as you mention, he sent one by return of post, with I must say had the regulation MN badge on thank goodness as may have been picked up with the people who were there. However I still felt like a fish out of water, however was pleased there was another member of our group dressed likewise. The Scottish contingent were nearly all dressed in kilts sporrans highland jackets with dirks stuck down their socks and felt quite at home by all appearances. In the attendance hall outside the Grand Ballroom however another person outside of our group came up to me and said how good it was to see the MN represented in uniform. Made my day. Have never worn since and must be another couple of sizes too small by now. If I remember correctly you were advised on what to wear which was Morning suit, tails, or Uniform of service. As couldn't very well go in a boiler suit, chose the uniform. Cheers JS

[Doc Vernon]

This is an early 1950s bullion pilot cap badge for the British Overseas Airways Corporation, which flew from 1939 until it merged with British European Airways to form British Airways in 1974. The badge shows a winged lion at center in silver bullion, with a golden wreath beneath him and a golden crown above him
Cheers

Latest Value at $175.00