*British, RNXS Royal Naval Auxiliary Service Black Beret and Gilt and Enamel Cap Badge with Naval Crown 2 lugs, Beret size 6 3/4 by Kangol Wear Ltd*
Beret marked 22037, 6 3/4 Kangol Wear Limited. Lined with tie, 2 eye holes with 2 eye holes and eyelets and leather protector in place at 9 o’Clock. Founded in 1938 by Jacques Spreiregen, a Polish Jew, Kangol is a British brand renowned for producing hats, particularly for workers, golfers, and soldiers. Spreiregen, who served in the British Army during World War I, obtained British nationality in 1920 after joining the Labour Corps to drive ambulances. The beret was Kangol’s inaugural product and gained prominence for supplying berets to the British army during WWII, notably for General Bernard Montgomery. The brand’s name derives from its initial materials: “K” for Silk, “ANG” for Angora, and “OL” for Wool. Currently, Kangol is owned by Sports Direct.
The cap badge for the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS) features a Naval crown atop a tablet with “R.N.X.S” in black lettering. The tablet sits on a rope circlet with a blue enamel ground, depicting two wavy lines and a symbol of a marine mine explosion. The circlet is enclosed within an open laurel wreath, all in gilt metal and gold except for the blue enamel and black lettering. The reverse of the badge has two loops and a cotter pin.
Formed in 1962 in response to Cold War tensions, the RNXS was created by merging the Royal Naval Mine Watching Service (RNMWS) and the Admiralty Ferry Crews Association. Its civilian recruits manned naval vessels to aid the Royal Navy during nuclear threats, evacuations, and civil emergencies. The RNXS adopted the RNMWS badge but with altered initials. Due to Defense cuts, the RNXS was disbanded on March 31, 1994.
*Condition*
Good used condition. Some minor moth nips. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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