Material: Brass with green horsehair plume
Dimensions: 30 mm × 30 mm (badge)
Description: This vintage scouting headdress decoration originates from Norway and was issued to adult Scoutmasters serving within the Norwegian Boy Scout Association (Norsk Speiderguttforbund). Struck in heavy brass or gilding metal, the circular insignia measures exactly 30mm in diameter and outlines a voided frame enclosing a beautifully proportioned fleur-de-lis. The side petals are finely stamped with five-pointed stars, while the lower section is anchored by a matching metallic scroll containing the Norwegian motto "VÆR BEREDT", translating to the universal scouting promise "Be Prepared". Mounted securely through the voided center is an original, dual-toned green and yellow bristle hair plume designed to fan out vertically above the emblem. The unmarked reverse face is fitted with two traditional wire fastening loops (dual lugs) and a long steel cotter pin to sandwich the plume assembly tightly against a wide-brimmed felt campaign hat.
Circa: 1920-1940s
Notes:
A Scandinavian Scout leader’s hat badge, most likely Danish or Norwegian, retaining its distinctive green plume. The motto is the Scandinavian form of the standard Scout phrase “Be Prepared,” while the complete surviving fitting makes this a particularly attractive example.