FRENCH metal rank slip on ranks - anyone know anything about them?

[mambi66]

ANY information that anyone could share with me concerning these metal ranks would be most appreciated. When were they worn? What years? What uniforms? Any links to web info about them, or picts of them being worn would also be MOST appreciated - thanks!!

[VALERY226]

Bonjour,
Since the end of WWII, slip on ranks 've been used in the french army, however twill versions are the most commonly seen. Some locally made (sometime with used shell can) could be observed in the last months of the war or very scarcely till 1952 in Indochina.
In 1952, a new four pockets uniforms (with a winter and a summer set) become official issue for NCO's and officers. Metallic slip on ranks are adopted and worn on raincoats, 3/4 wool coats or greatcoats. Very,very scarcely and lately seen in Indochina, they are however widely observed during the Algeria war, even in the field.
You've to know that this rank system stay in the french army till 1990 and usually nicknamed as "ranks for raincoat" (the only occasion you could wear it). Uggly instructors at the national commando training center in Montlouis and Collioure worn these ranks on their Algeria or Airborne style jackets as a symbol of the good ol'days choc spirit in the late 80's!
Insignias presented in your photo sound to be late 70's or 80's made even if they fit perfectly on an Algeria war uniform.
I'm going to post soon some Indochina era rank insignias.
Cheers
Valery

[VALERY226]

Re,
Here is few slip on ranks used during the Indochina war or during this era:
-Early style commandant (major) metallic slip on ;
-Indochina locally made capitaine, chest rank with a safety pin behind ;
-Adjudant (SFC or WO1) of the colonial troops, twill stripe sewn on dark blue wool. These ranks fit with other gold or silver branches but without traditional background (for example red background for spahis or sky blue for algerian tirailleurs) ;
- Tailor made lieutenant slip on worn by a 10e Bataillon Parachutiste de Chasseurs à Pied (BPCP) (10th airborne light infantry Bn) lieutenant (UK) or 1st lieutenant (US). Note the flexible metal piece used as a frame of the slip on.
Hope it could help
Cheers
Valery

[mambi66]

Thank you Valery

I appreciate the photos and information!