Badges, British, Commonwealth

A Selection of Commonwealth Shoulder Titles for Sale

In this article we look at a selection of Commonwealth Shoulder Titles for sale

We have to start off by saying that this is a vast subject, so it is one we will be revisiting regularly. Most, if not all, of the Commonwealth units wore shoulder titles. During the First World War, standard practice was to wear titles manufactured from brass, but as such materials became more expensive and difficult to find, the natural development was to create the same titles in cloth.

In more modern times, after WW2, many countries adopted the Staybrite material and they stopped wearing cloth badges altogether. Over the years these regular changes in style have created a fascinating and almost never ending area of collecting for both the experienced collector and the beginner.

Below is a brief selection of badges on the market today.


First up is this rare pair of printed Malta WW2 shoulder titles.

These show signs of having been taken off a uniform and they would have originally been folded into a square and then sewn onto an epaulette. On the reverse you can see where the ink has slightly bled through the material, creating the ghost of an image in reverse.

As Malta is a small island, it is likely that not many of these shoulder titles exist today, which is inevitably reflected in their worth. They are for sale from World Military Collectables priced at £45 for the pair.

WW2 Malta shoulder titles
Matching Malta printed shoulder titles.
Rear - MALTA shoulder titles from WW2
Rear view showing the printing coming through the material. Image credits: World Military Collectables

World Military Collectables.


Royal West African Frontier Force slip on cloth shoulder title

During the Second World War the use of simply-made cloth shoulder titles became widespread. This example has the lettering RWAFF (Royal West African Frontier Force) machine-sewn onto the front. On the reverse there is a small strip of cloth which would be slid over the epaulette and then it would be buttoned down. The simplicity of this design not only saved on precious metals like brass, but it also allowed the wearer to change jackets or shirts with relative ease

This is one of the more unusual slip-on titles and it is for sale from The Khaki Colonel priced at £18.

RWAAF shoulder title for sale
Front showing the machine stitched lettering.
RWAAF shoulder title for sale
Rear view showing the small cloth loop which was slid onto the epaulette. Image credits: Khaki Colonel

The Khaki Colonel Logo


Canadian Royal Winnipeg Rifles Cloth Shoulder Titles

Canadian forces during WW1 predominantly used brass shoulder titles. However, postwar and during WW2, like many of the other Commonwealth countries, they switched to cloth shoulder titles. The shoulder titles were used to indicate the unit the soldier was serving with. Often they carried the word ‘Canada’ underneath to indicate the country of origin.

This matching pair is for a member of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. Available from MilitaryTour in Canada priced at $59.

Canadian Winnipeg Rifles shoulder titles for sale
Image credits: MilitaryTour
Canadian Winnipeg Rifles shoulder titles for sale
Reverse of the badges showing the machine stitching.

Military Tour logo


Matching South African Titles and Collar Badges

This pair of shoulder titles comes along with matching regimental bronze collar badges. Both sets were issued to a member of the South African Air Force and are complete with all rear fixing loops.  They are for sale as a set from Battleflag Militaria in the UK. Priced at £55.

South African Air Force shoulder title for sale
The collar badges and shoulder titles are a matching set.
Commonwealth South African Air Force shoulder titles and collar badges for sale
The group shown from the rear with all loops and pins.
Commonwealth South African Air Force shoulder title for sale
Images: Battleflag Militaria

Battleflag Militaria


Gilt metal 4RSLR (4th Royal Republic of Sierra Leone Regiment) shoulder title

Another style of shoulder title is a gilt metal variation. This shoulder title for sale belonged to a member of the 4th Battalion, Republic of Sierra Leone Regiment. This type of shoulder title has a tendency to be in more modern in Staybrite metal and presents a good starter item for the less experienced collector.

The following example has the familiar rear fastening loops, but has a bright, modern gilt finish. These were created to stay clean and bright and unlike brass, it does not need to be cleaned all the time.

This one is for sale from The Militaria Shop priced at £9.99.

4th Sierra Leone Regiment shoulder title for sale
Images: The Militaria Shop
4th Sierra Leone Regiment shoulder title for sale
Rear view with the two fixing lugs.


A pair of Canadian Winnipeg Light Infantry shoulder titles

Finally, a decorative matching pair of left and right-facing Winnipeg Light Infantry brass shoulder titles. Depicting a Canadian oak leaf and acorn design, along with the letters WLI.

This pair are from Relic Militaria and they are priced at £35.

A left and right matching pair of brass WLI shoulder titles.
Winnipeg Light Infantry Brass Shoulder titles WW1
Reverse of the WLI shoulder titles showing the flat back and two rear fixing loops.

Relic Militaria Logo


Interested in seeing some more badges? CLICK HERE to see more.


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