Maroon beret

[Old Smelly]

try an ultra violet light on the manufacturer diamond.
Sometimes (Not Always) .. the light will pick up the very faded details ..

Gary J.

I have also had 'invisible' markings show up with close up flash photography.
Lee

[Gary Jucha]

Another

Another way that has worked in the past as well, is to high res scan the area on a flat bed scanner.
Believe it or not, again this sometimes picks out the "ghosting" of letters and numbers ..

Gary J.

I have also had 'invisible' markings show up with close up flash photography.
Lee

[mandy333]

Great replies:

Greetings: I would genuinely like to thank everyone personally(one on one) for taking the time and sharing your knowledge on this item, but I will just reply with a "blanket thank you" to everyone. The information that was shared in this thread has been most interesting and will definetly help in identifying any future items. I tried the water spray...to no avail...the beret will release no helpful information. Would any other pictures be of any useI have a limited time to decide wether or not to purchase it. It there is a possability of being WW2 by it's construction, I would keep it as a reference and display . Many other articles of clothing and various other headgear are deemed possible original through material and constuction. If everyone could respond simply as " possibilty" or "not" for the reasons I supplied, I would again be deeply indebted. Also could anyone identify and give me a worth price of the badge(which has been decided as WW2 original) as that also would help influence my decision. Thanks again eveyone, it is very much appreciated.
Best Regards
Zeke

[Jack Dutton-Roberts]

Greetings: I would genuinely like to thank everyone personally(one on one) for taking the time and sharing your knowledge on this item, but I will just reply with a "blanket thank you" to everyone. The information that was shared in this thread has been most interesting and will definetly help in identifying any future items. I tried the water spray...to no avail...the beret will release no helpful information. Would any other pictures be of any useI have a limited time to decide wether or not to purchase it. It there is a possability of being WW2 by it's construction, I would keep it as a reference and display . Many other articles of clothing and various other headgear are deemed possible original through material and constuction. If everyone could respond simply as " possibilty" or "not" for the reasons I supplied, I would again be deeply indebted. Also could anyone identify and give me a worth price of the badge(which has been decided as WW2 original) as that also would help influence my decision. Thanks again eveyone, it is very much appreciated.
Best Regards
Zeke

I'd steer clear of it personally! Even if it were $50. The badge however is a nice original pre-1953 example. I'd sell the badge for £20-25 although you can get them for less if you look.

[jelle]

I would not buy it for 250 dollars,think about it,you might want to sell it again some day!Undated berets with wartime features are not rare,and add a couple of hundred and you have a nicely dated one that will be a good investment.So I would say let it go.But its up to you...

[Beau Brummel.]

Been In Germany so only just seen this. I would tend to agree with Jack; this one looks post war to me. If you look around the inside rim there should be a broad arrow and set of numbers, letters. If you can find these then It should be datable.

Yours, Guy.

[GCG1964]

Looks like a Sterling badge?
Is there any "ghosting" when it's removed?
Graham.

[Jack Dutton-Roberts]

Looks like a Sterling badge?
Is there any "ghosting" when it's removed?
Graham.

Just a bog standard white metal Graham!

[mandy333]

Greetings: Thank you all for your evaluation and input on this beret. It is greatly appreciated and I will go with the common consenses and not purchase it.
Best Regards
Zeke