*British Army, Post-1952, Warrant Officer Class II (WO2) Wrist Rank Strap – Queen’s Crown, Leather Field Service Type*
A scarce and very attractive original British Army Warrant Officer Class II (WO2) wrist rank strap, dating from the post-1952 Queen Elizabeth II era, featuring the distinctive gilt metal St Edward’s (Queen’s) Crown mounted to a shaped brown leather wrist strap with buckle fastening. These practical field-service insignia were worn by senior NCOs—most commonly Company Sergeant Majors (CSM) and Squadron Sergeant Majors (SSM)—when in shirt-sleeve order, tropical dress, or working uniform where standard tunic insignia was not visible.
The broad shaped leather strap is fitted with a gilt metal Queen’s Crown badge to the front, the recognised insignia of the WO2 rank in the British Army. The St Edward’s Crown confirms use from 1953 onward, following the accession and coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, replacing the earlier Tudor (King’s) Crown used during the reign of George VI. Such wrist straps were especially associated with active service, overseas postings, and warm-weather dress regulations where rapid visual identification of senior NCO rank remained essential.
The reverse shows the original leather construction with stitched reinforcement and period buckle fitting, while the crown is secured through the leather with its original fittings intact. These straps remained in service throughout the Cold War period and are increasingly difficult to find complete and untouched, particularly with honest service wear and original patina.
Approx. Measurements – Overall length: approx. 25 cm. Central leather panel width: approx. 8.5 cm. Crown badge width: approx. 5 cm.
History Note:
These rank straps were widely used by infantry, cavalry, armoured, and support branches across the British Army and Commonwealth forces during the 1950s–1970s, particularly in tropical and working dress. Surviving examples are highly collectible as practical pieces of British military uniform insignia and display particularly well.
*Condition*
Good original condition with honest service wear throughout. Leather remains sound with age-related surface wear. Buckle present and functional. Crown badge retains good definition and strong finish. Some wear to the strap holes and edges as expected from use and age. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#3242E_8627238712
