Posted 6 years ago
fortapache
(3421 items)
The red beret was perhaps the sharpest looking piece of BSA headwear. Unfortunately it was not popular and was replaced by a base ball style cap. Not sure why it was unpopular, perhaps a function vs form thing.
The beret became available to the Boy Scouts in 1973. It was available to venture scouts in 1971 but in 1973 it was official for all boy scouts.
Luckily any head gear that is declared official is official for all time. But the troop has to vote on it and then they must all wear the same head gear aka hat. Unluckily these are not common. Looks like about a couple dozen on ebay enough for one troop.
This example does not have the official BSA logo in the top inside but does have a made in USA tag. Could possibly be a 1980s reissue.
In the meantime there is a free bonus sash thanks to Bill. I believe it to be period correct for the uniform.
What is the significance of the Fleur de lis ?
I think berets look great on men. Boys look like girls with berets compared to ball caps. Just a thought.
Nice Beret Brian, and that Sash looks great too! :^)
I saw a Boy Scout ball cap at the Thrift Store today, made in USA, but had a bar code on it, so not very old. I did get a Boy Scouts Of America 1950's metal Official First Aid Kit, with belt loops on the back, it's empty but has a list of everything that's inside the kit, printed on the inside of the lid. It's green with red lettering, and also says prepared by Johnson + Johnson! :^)
Here Roy this might help:
Boy Scouts Fleur de Lis meaning
Baden-Powell included a design for the Scout's badge in his work, Scouting for Boys, which was a simple fleur-de-lis with the motto "Be Prepared" on a scroll below it. ... The plumes of the fleur-de-lis became symbols for Service to Others, Duty to God, and Obedience to the Scout Law.
World Scout Emblem - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Scout_Emblem
Thank you very much Caperkid. Bill got your fleur-de-lis question. As for the beret that is a possibility. Also berets are not an item American boys wear. Perhaps they could go back to the garrison style cap.
Thank you very much Bill. The green ball cap is current. The first aid kit is a nice find and 5s sounds right.
Also thanks for the info on the fleur-de-lis.
Thank you
Caperkid
billretirecoll
vetraio50
Newfld
nutsabotas6
fattytail
I like the beret, not seen that before
Thank you very much elanski.
Thank you
Toyrebel
PhilDMorris
Thank you Brunswick.
Thank you
dlpetersen
buckethead
He's very suave.
Thank you very much racer4four. Another yea for the beret.
Thank you mikelv85.