The Rising Sun Collection
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History of the Rising Sun
Australia's Rising Sun Collection
The History of the Rising Sun Hat Badge Collection is Australia's premier collection of high-quality reproductions of all seven variations of the Rising Sun badges proudly worn by generations of soldiers since 1902. Since its inception in 1902 as a general service badge for the Australian contingents serving in the Boer War, the Rising Sun badge has undergone seven iterations. Each evolution represents the changing structure of service and Australia's political maturity.
History of the Rising Sun Hat
Badge Wall Frame
OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY
This stunning frame is sure to become a conversation starter in your home or office. With its deeply stained timber frame and striking black background, the gold foiled title and text elevate the overall presentation, adding a touch of elegance and reverence. At the top of the frame, you’ll find an oversized metal version of the seventh iteration of the Rising Sun Badge, which immediately draws the eye. Beneath it, displayed with care and craftsmanship, are the seven renditions of the Rising Sun Hat Badge, all produced in metal to the highest standards, ensuring that these replicas are indistinguishable from the originals.
Frame dimensions (closed): 72 W x 29 H 6.5 D cm
Frame dimensions (open): 118 W x 29 H 6.5 D cm
What makes this frame truly special are the push-to-open compartments on each side. On the left we have a replica of the Hutton Trophy of Arms. To the right, you’ll find another push-to-open panel showcasing an oversized metal version of the third iteration of the Rising Sun Badge. Worn during both the Great War and World War II, this badge holds immense historical significance.
Gifting to your community
Share this remarkable piece of history with your community and help them connect with our Anzac traditions. Consider donating the Rising Sun Collection Frame to a local school, service club, or community centre. Preserve the legacy by adding a personalised inscription plate, ensuring these stories endure for generations to come.
HUTTON TROPHY AND RISING SUN PLAQUE
This beautifully crafted timber plaque features a mounted version of the seventh iteration of the iconic Rising Sun Hat Badge, accompanied by a small replica of the Hutton Trophy of Arms, the revered symbol believed to have inspired the design of the Rising Sun Badge. At the front of the plaque, a clear acrylic panel is engraved with a brief history of the Rising Sun, offering a thoughtful narrative behind this powerful emblem.
THE STORY OF THE RISING SUN
Proudly
worn by soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Australian Imperial Forces in both
World Wars, the "Rising Sun" badge has become an integral part of Digger
tradition. The distinctive shape, worn on the left upturned brim of a slouch hat, is readily identified with the spirit of Anzac.
Yet despite the badge's historic significance, well-researched theories as to its origins are more numerous than its seven points. In 1902 a badge was urgently sought for the Australian contingents raised after Federation for service in South Africa during the Boer War. Probably the most widely accepted version of the origin of this badge is that which attributes the selection of its design to a British officer, Major General Sir Edward Hutton, the newly appointed Commander-in-chief of the Australian Forces.
He had earlier received a gift from Brigadier General Joseph Gordon, a military acquaintance of long standing, a "Trophy of Arms" comprising
mounted cut and thrust swords and triangular Martini Henri bayonets arranged in a semicircle around a brass crown. To Major General Hutton the shield was symbolic of the co-ordination of the Naval and Military Forces of the Commonwealth. A refurbished replica of the Shield is on display in the main foyer of Army Headquarters in Canberra. The original (badge) design, created and produced in haste for issue to the contingent departing to South Africa, was modified in 1904.... Since its inception the basic form of the 1904 version has remained unchanged, although modifications have been made to the wording on the scroll and to the style of crown.
In 1949, when Corps and Regimental badges were reintroduced into service, the wording on the scroll of the "Rising Sun" badge was changed to read "Australian Military Forces". Twenty years later the badge was again modified to incorporate the Federation Star and Torse Wreath from the original 1902 version of the badge and the scroll wording changed to "Australia". In the 75th anniversary year o f the Anzac landings at Gallipoli there arose a desire to return to the traditional accoutrements worn by Australian soldiers during the World Wars and which clearly identify the Australian Army. The recent change coincided with the 90th anniversary of the Army which was commissioned on 1 March 1991.
HISTORY OF THE RISING SUN BADGE COLLECTION
The stunning History of the Rising Sun Hat Badge Collection from the military specialists is the perfect gift for any military personnel or enthusiast. This collection includes high-quality replicas of each of the Seven versions of the Rising Sun hat badge.
Immerse yourself in the history of the Rising Sun Hat Badge with this exceptional collection. Each badge represents a significant era in Australian military history, from the first badge issued in 1902 to the current design.
The badges are beautifully displayed in a timber case, adding a touch of elegance to any space. Whether you are a military enthusiast or looking for a special gift, the Rising Sun Hat Badge Collection is sure to impress. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of Australian military heritage. Order now and cherish the history and significance of the Rising Sun Hat Badge Collection.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Colour: Gold and Bronze
Material: Timber display case
Box Measurements:
Closed: 18cm x 24cm x 3.5cm
Open: 34.5cm x 24cm x 1.7cm
Badge Measurements: Approx. 6.2 X 4.5 cm
GREAT WAR COMMEMORATIVE
RISING SUN COLLECTION
During the Great War 1914-1918 the Rising Sun Badge was re-crafted by individuals, units and corps to create unique designs to reflect their particular structure or role. These "unofficial" Rising Sun badges were never approved by Australia's military command yet many were worn with pride by those who served under them.
This stunning collection, created for the Centenary of Australia in the Great War, also carries all seven official Rising Sun badges as we remember 100 Years of proud service by Australia's military since the Great War.
All badges are faithfully pressed in metal and mounted in a timber display case. Few examples of these unofficial designs survive. The four replicas presented in this collection are created from actual badges or photographic records and are to the best abilities of the artisans who reproduced them, true copies of the badge faces crafted for men serving overseas with the A.I.F. and other organisations. The four 'unofficial' badges included are:
| 14 Australian Light Horse Regiment Badge | This badge was created for the 14th Battalion Australian Light Horse Regiment, the mounted infantry or light horse unit of the Australian Army during the Great War. |
| A.I.F Camel Corps Badge | Some A.I.F. units and corps in the Great War "adapted" the official 1904 Pattern Rising Sun hat badge to create unique designs to reflect their structure or role. The Imperial Camel Corps, formed in January 1916, created its unique design that was never approved for use by Australia's military command A.I.F. cameleers. |
| 1st Remount Unit Badge | An unofficial badge created for the 1st Remount Unit. This adaptation was not approved for wear but was often widely worn by those serving in the unit. |
| British Red Cross – Australian Division Badge | This badge is an unofficial creation for the British Red Cross – Australian Division and combines the rays of the rising sun with a cross above the banner. |
