French Marines Bush Hat

I just got this today.







It's in new condition. Is it real or is it a repro? The vent holes don't have metal grommets in them. The insignia in the front appears to be made of bullion wire.

Rhodesian Camo wrote:I just got this today.  







It's in new condition.  Is it real or is it a repro?  The vent holes don't have metal grommets in them.  The insignia in the front appears to be made of bullion wire.  

This hat was worn by French troops until the 70's mainly in Chad war but is no longer used and was NEVER used with the embroidered badge

It's got a 1953 date in it? It's in superb shape, take the fake badge off. I thought most of the old ones were bought up by the Israeli Defence Forces as most you see have the IDF stamp on them.

zvez wrote:It's got a 1953 date in it? It's in superb shape, take the fake badge off. I thought most of the old ones were bought up by the Israeli Defence Forces as most you see have the IDF stamp on them.

I was thinking the badge might be a private purchase item and put on the hat to use as a "party" item or souvenir. I'm sure it wasn't used in the field since it's in much too nice condition, and the badge would make a huge target for the enemy to aim for.