TOPIC:

This morning MC Heunis sent me this photograph of a ZARP buckle that I have never seen before. Johan Wolfhaardt notes that the ornate ZARP buckles (as posted above by Everhard) were unpopular as they broke easily. This type would have been more robust. [Correction, 21/01/2025 - MC has since informed me that this is a Pretoria Volunteer Corps buckle].








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I'm sure I've posted this previously, but here it is again.
Some years ago a UK dealer came across what seemed to be a common Tommy's foreign service helmet in a khaki cover. But on removing the cover, it turned out to be an other ranks ZARP helmet, which I managed to acquire.

It is made by Christy's of London, and the supplier (leverancier in Dutch) is A Johnston and Co., who supplied ZARP and Staatsartillerie uniforms. An officer's helmet is shown for comparison, and some period photos.

Superb, Rob. ZARP helmets have a very distinctive profile.

What are your thoughts about the khaki cover? I'm not aware of any period photos of ZARPs (or any other ZAR/OVS forces) wearing these.

Below are three versions of the ZARP helmet plate, in die-stamped brass and white metal. I have always assumed the more ornate type on the right was worn by officers. And, as for the regular pattern, were the white metal badges reserved for NCOs?











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Thanks, Neville,
I think your identification of the 3 ZARP helmet plates sounds correct.
As regards the khaki cover - I think a Tommy probably had a dinged helmet and so liberated the ZARP helmet from stores in Johannesburg or Pretoria and put his khaki cover on it! The Boers never wore khaki covers over the helmets, and nor did the ZARP commando wear helmets in the field, as far as I am aware.
Rob