US Army SF Beret Flash patch

[andreers]

Hello! Help me please identify this patch and real or copy?

Thanks!!!

 

 

[jumpship]

As stated on the tape: 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) [Republic of Vietnam Advisors] (Provisional) Worn 1961 to 1963. Formed to advise the South Vietnamese government with the Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG).

 

I don't know if this particular example is legit. Hopefully, some other folks on here with more knowledge will assist with that.

[Tonomachi]

I looked up your flash in a book titled, "BERET INSIGNIA OF THE U.S. ARMY" by William A. Hudspeath.  On page 3 under flash #10 are descriptions of three variants of the "1st Special Forces Gp (ABN) (RVN-Advisors)" flash.  They are described below:

 

10A - Hand embroidered, "quilted" construction, RVN=made, 52 x 45mm.

10R - Fully embroidered, 55 x 50mm.

10R1-Fully embroidered, merrowed edge.

 

Part of the caption reads, "Worn by some 1st Group advisors in RVN, 1961-1963".  Your flash appears to be the one described above as 10R1 being fully embroidered with a merrowed edge.  However the suffix "R" after the 10 indicates a reproduction of the original design.  The only genuine flash is described above after 10A which I believe I have an example of pictured below.  I don't own this flash but I have heard from other collectors that it is genuine and yet other collectors have said isn't genuine.  Based on the information in this book your flash is a reproduction.

 

  

[no12sabe]

I would guess it's a repro or at least a very late manufacture. As if the design was still on the books at the NS Meyer or Denmark companies and there was an order placed for them and they used the modern construction means for an old design.

When did merrowed edges become standard on flashes? Not until the 80's. 

Would such a small unit merit having such a modern design style?