Brig Posted August 2, 2014 Share #1 Posted August 2, 2014 As an old thread reappeared about fakes and such of these, I figured I'd post a couple of pairs of Polar Bear patches that came to me in a small group from the widow of a 2/6 veteran who was in Iceland and then WIA on Guadalcanal...neither were cut or worn, not uncommon as these were offered for sale/traded for as souveneirs and sent home often Link to post Share on other sites
Brig Posted August 2, 2014 Author Share #2 Posted August 2, 2014 rear Link to post Share on other sites
bobgee Posted August 3, 2014 Share #3 Posted August 3, 2014 Always a difficult USMC insignia to pin down as to vintage. Nice to see two different types right from the vet's widow. Thanks for sharing. Bob Link to post Share on other sites
swankcat Posted July 5, 2015 Share #4 Posted July 5, 2015 Here are some examples from my stepdad's collection (cloth and metal): Link to post Share on other sites
swankcat Posted July 5, 2015 Share #5 Posted July 5, 2015 some more... Link to post Share on other sites
swankcat Posted July 5, 2015 Share #6 Posted July 5, 2015 and lastly, the metal ones. Link to post Share on other sites
firefighter Posted July 6, 2015 Share #7 Posted July 6, 2015 Nice polar bears. Brrrrrrrrrr! Link to post Share on other sites
mortaydc60 Posted July 7, 2015 Share #8 Posted July 7, 2015 The Polar Bears on the top left in post #4 are a version I have never seen anywhere;very cool! Mort Link to post Share on other sites
firefighter Posted July 7, 2015 Share #9 Posted July 7, 2015 What is the difference between the Marine Iceland Brigade and the British Iceland unit? Link to post Share on other sites
Brig Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share #10 Posted July 7, 2015 It's generally accepted that the British patches had the heads of the bears up, and the Marines down, though I'm sure there was some cross over in that Link to post Share on other sites
firefighter Posted July 7, 2015 Share #11 Posted July 7, 2015 It's generally accepted that the British patches had the heads of the bears up, and the Marines down, though I'm sure there was some cross over in that Thank you BRIG Link to post Share on other sites
mortaydc60 Posted July 8, 2015 Share #12 Posted July 8, 2015 Brig the information you have is not correct. The original patch is for the British 49th div. The first version had the head down. Prime Minister Churchill did not like that look and felt it was too timid and wanted it to be more aggressive so the design was changed to the polar bear with the head upraised in a more fierce stance. The marines initailly wore the British patch given to them by the Brits as they left Iceland. To be sure over time they had US made versions of the patch but initially they were British made. Mort Link to post Share on other sites
firefighter Posted July 8, 2015 Share #13 Posted July 8, 2015 Great information guys. Link to post Share on other sites
BILL THE PATCH Posted July 8, 2015 Share #14 Posted July 8, 2015 Great detail on post4 patches top left, great stuff Link to post Share on other sites
Hinrik WD Posted June 24, 2017 Share #15 Posted June 24, 2017 Hello all, here are some new photos of my USMC / 49th WR Div Polar bears collection. Hope you like this, has taken many years and $$ to put this together. Link to post Share on other sites
Hinrik WD Posted June 24, 2017 Share #16 Posted June 24, 2017 Box 1: Link to post Share on other sites
Hinrik WD Posted June 24, 2017 Share #17 Posted June 24, 2017 Box 2: Link to post Share on other sites
SgtMaddoxUSMC Posted June 25, 2017 Share #18 Posted June 25, 2017 Wow! That's a lot of bears! I hope I can one of these to my collection someday! Link to post Share on other sites
EGA-DOG Posted June 25, 2017 Share #19 Posted June 25, 2017 That is an amazing collection! Link to post Share on other sites
Brig Posted September 2, 2017 Author Share #20 Posted September 2, 2017 Probably the best assortment of Polar Bears in a single private collection. Beauties! I've recently developed an increased interest in the Icelandic Marines Link to post Share on other sites
Hinrik WD Posted September 2, 2017 Share #21 Posted September 2, 2017 Thanks guys. What do you think about this set? WWI or possibly theater made? Link to post Share on other sites
Brig Posted September 3, 2017 Author Share #22 Posted September 3, 2017 any rear images? Link to post Share on other sites
mortaydc60 Posted September 3, 2017 Share #23 Posted September 3, 2017 Not WW1 but nice theater made Iceland Link to post Share on other sites
tredhed2 Posted September 4, 2017 Share #24 Posted September 4, 2017 DSC00088.jpg Thanks guys. What do you think about this set? WWI or possibly theater made? Those are two pissed-off looking bears..... Link to post Share on other sites
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