✅ SOLVED A Few Military (maybe) Whatsits... Not Dug

[diggummup]

Found a few items today at an estate sale. I got some WW2 era US hat badges and collar devices, nothing special. I also got a few Royal Engineer and Grenadier Guard items. Included wre a few pieces i'm having a hard time trying to ID. The first is what I believe to be the Danish national coat of arms. But what is it for? Military uniform? Or something else?

measures 3" x 2" wide, gold toned metal with a felt backing



I also have this piece which I have no clue about. I know the South African A.F. uses this motto, but I can't find anything that looks like this anywhere-

measures 4.5" x 3 7/8" at it's wide point, silver metal threads on felt back


Also this brass button-



And these things too-

 

[Mackaydon]

[h=1]"Per aspera ad astra" is a motto used in many schools, including two in your state: Miami Central HS in Miami and Trinity Prep in Winter Park.[/h]Don........

 

[NOLA_Ken]

The button I think dates to the 1860's. Apparently they made mostly police and livery buttons


.Button Makers and their backmarks n to z - ukdfd

 

[AU24K]

Ad astra per aspera" ... is also the state motto of Kansas, meaning "To the stars through difficulty."

Hope this helps...

Best,

Scott

 

[diggummup]

Don and Scott, Thanks for the replies. I've checked the wiki page and searched almost every reference listed for the motto, looking for some sort of anything that resembles this "logo," to no avail. I'm still working on it though.

NOLA Ken- Yeah, I read that too. The backmark dating is a little confusing/conflicting on this particular maker. I'm wondering if it is related to this British regiment-? 51st (2nd Yorkshire, West Riding) Regiment of Foot [Recruiting EU] ?

No picture but I also found this (particularly the last statement) which makes me believe that it is one and the same-

According to Parkyn (Shoulder Belt plates & Buttons), the 51st's buttons were:

"In 1814 the officers' buttons were flat, gilt, one piece, with the design (of a crown above '51' all within a laurel wreath, which is above a scroll entitled "MINDEN") in relief. This design was retained on the convex coatee button until replaced by the design of '51' within the curl of a crowned French bugle-horn.
The Tunic button, 1855-1881, had the design of '51' within a wreath of leaves with a scalloped edge."

 

[Frankyg]

If it helps, Three lions below a crown is the national symbol of England. The crown shown is for a female monarch.

 

[Frankyg]

Three lions under a crown is also the symbol for the English cricket team.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

The presence of hearts among the lions means it is indeed a Danish Royal Army emblem. Here's a photo showing some mid-1800s Danish Army officers' buttons. Note the small hearts among the lions.

Being felt-backed, my guess is that it is a hatbadge.

 

[Frankyg]

Wow Cannon, I never knew that. Here's a picture of a danish Army general cap badge.

 

[diggummup]

The presence of hearts among the lions means it is indeed a Danish Royal Army emblem. Here's a photo showing some mid-1800s Danish Army officers' buttons. Note the small hearts among the lions.

Being felt-backed, my guess is that it is a hatbadge.

I just made a long reply to you but had to delete it because I just found out that it is not a military badge but police badge. Thank you for the input. Here is one I found-

Only one more id and I can green check this thread. Based on the size, shape and back of the "ad astra per aspera" piece, do you think it is a shoulder insignia? It seems to be a very common motto used in a multitude of ways, including on a pack of Pall Mall's.

 

[diggummup]

My momma always said, if you want something done right, do it yourself. lol. I found the last piece that was unidentified. It is from the United States Air Force Academy. Graduating class of 1966.
Class Facts | US Air Force Academy AOG & Endowment

Thanks again to all those who replied. I can green check this thing now.